Biography

Matt Taylor is the Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Music Education at Lipscomb University, where he directs the ensembles Concert Choir and University Chorale, and teaches coursework in Choral Methods, Conducting, and Aural Skills. Dr. Taylor also serves on the faculty of the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts as director of the Governor’s School Chorale. A passionate conductor and educator, Taylor spent five years as an Associate Choral Director at Wando High School in Charleston, SC, where he contributed to the growth of one of the state’s largest choral programs. He has served as a conductor for district and university honor choirs across the southeast, and frequently works as a guest clinician for high school and church choirs across the country. Taylor made his international conducting debut in 2022 with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, where he was selected as one of five emerging guest conductors from across North America.

Taylor has performed in collegiate and professional choirs as a vocalist, and is an accomplished instrumentalist and composer. As a choral arranger he has produced works for churches, high schools, and universities. He has performed in symphonies, chamber groups, and jazz ensembles as a double bassist. Taylor has been a career-long member of the American Choral Directors Association, and has served twice as a member of the ACDA Southern Region Conference Committee.

Dr. Taylor holds degrees in music from Samford University (BM - Composition), Louisiana State University (MM - Choral Conducting), and The University of Georgia (DMA - Choral Conducting).

Academic Degrees

• BM in Composition, Samford University
• MM in Choral Conducting, Louisiana State University
• DMA in Choral Conducting, University of Georgia

Academic Department

School of Music