Internationally recognized conductor, researcher Dr. Wendy K. Matthews named School of Music director
Veteran music educator's textbook, "Basic Conducting Techniques," co-authored with Joseph Labuta, is one of the most widely used conducting texts in collegiate music programs nationwide.
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University has appointed internationally recognized music educator, conductor and researcher Dr. Wendy K. Matthews as director of its School of Music, housed in the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts.
Wendy K. Matthews
Matthews comes to Lipscomb from Kent State University, where she served as associate dean of undergraduate programs and assessment in the College of the Arts, professor of music education, and director of the Kent State Youth Winds. She will begin her work at Lipscomb on July 15.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wendy Matthews to Lipscomb. Her vision for a student-centered, genre-crossing ‘one school of music’ model aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and collaboration across the college,” said Mike Fernandez, dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts. “Her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and research will help us prepare students not only for the entertainment and arts industries, but also for impactful roles in civic life, research and beyond. Her leadership experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and grow.”
“Dr. Wendy Matthews brings an exceptional blend of academic leadership, research excellence, and artistic accomplishment to Lipscomb,” said Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, Lipscomb provost. “Her proven ability to build thriving programs and mentor both faculty and students will strengthen our academic mission and enhance the impact of the School of Music across campus and in the Nashville community. We are excited to welcome her to our leadership team.”
In her new role, Matthews will oversee Lipscomb’s vibrant and growing School of Music that includes performance, commercial music, composition and music education programs among others. She will also serve as a leader in advancing the college’s research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations with other areas such as film, animation and fashion.
“I’m excited to join Lipscomb’s School of Music at a time when the field is evolving and expanding,” said Matthews. “My vision is to empower students to shape their own musical journeys, equipping them with the skills and autonomy to pursue diverse careers. Music is about collaboration, creativity and context—and I look forward to fostering an environment where students can explore all genres, work across disciplines, and develop as both artists and scholars.”
In addition to her work at Kent State, Matthews has also served as associate professor in music education at Wayne State University and led the music department at Northern Virginia Community College as an assistant dean. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses and conducted ensembles at Georgetown University, University of Maryland-College Park and George Mason University. Matthews has also taught elementary and secondary school instrumental music in Virginia and Maryland.
Matthews’ research focuses on group dynamics in large ensembles, learning theories and the use of sports psychology principles in conducting and ensemble performance. She is also a noted scholar of the history of women brass musicians. Her textbook Basic Conducting Techniques, co-authored with Joseph Labuta, is one of the most widely used conducting texts in collegiate music programs nationwide. She has also published in numerous journals, including the Journal of Research in Music Education, Psychology of Music, International Journal of Music Education, Arts Education Policy Review, Journal of Band Research and the International Trumpet Guild Journal.
She is in-demand internationally as a guest conductor and clinician whose ensembles have performed at venues such as the Sylvan Theater, Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, DAR Constitution Hall, Orchestra Hall (Detroit), Severance Hall, and international music education conferences. Matthews has conducted honor bands across the U.S. and internationally, including in India. In addition she is an accomplished trumpet player.
A native of Owings, Maryland in the Washington, D.C. area, Matthews holds degrees from George Mason University, the University of Maryland-College Park and the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University Conservatory of Music.
Lipscomb University’s School of Music offers undergraduate programs in commercial music: songwriting or production, music education, music performance, music, music industry studies and worship arts. It also offers performing ensembles to provide a variety of experiences for student musicians, including commercial music ensembles, Sanctuary, the Jazz Ensemble, Lipscomb Studio Orchestra, the Chamber Strings, Wind Ensemble, the Bison Pep Band, the Gospel Choir, Concert Choir and University Chorale among others. Learn more at www.lipscomb.edu/music.