Our Musical Leadership

Matthew’s passion is making music with people who don’t think of themselves as musicians.

Kids who have never sung in groups. Seniors who haven’t sung since high school. Tourists who had no idea they were walking into a Beer Choir.

Really, no one is safe from singing around him.

Matthew earned undergraduate degrees in Advertising Copywriting and Social Psychology and a master’s degree in vocal performance and pedagogy. His Masters’ thesis research explored the power of cultural tourism to revitalize rural communities. He has completed doctoral coursework in choral conducting. His current research centers on how music can be used to build educational equity, civic engagement, health and wellness, and stronger local economies. He is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Teaching Artist Training Institute and has served as a grants reviewer for the National Endowment for the Arts.

In 2019 Matthew made his Carnegie Hall debut leading two non-auditioned youth and adult ensembles in the world premiere of the choral cantata Borders by John Muehleisen. The Shelton, Washington performance of that work went on to win Second Prize in the Community Division of The American Prize’s Ernst Bacon Award for the Performance of American Music. 

Matthew’s work using music as a tool for community connection and opportunity has been recognized locally and nationally. He was nominated to serve on the Washington Arts for All Coalition and was named Citizen of the Year in 2012 for his contributions to civic life in Mason County. His work supporting young people and families through music has earned him the Champion of Children Award.

In addition to his new role as Artistic Director of The Olympia Peace Choir, Matthew is the Director of the Great Bend Center for Music. The Great Bend Center received an NEA Challenge America Award and was recently named Nonprofit of the Year by the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce. Through performances, education programs, and innovative community partnerships, his work continues to demonstrate how music can serve not only as an art form, but as a catalyst for belonging, learning, and community renewal.