MATTHEW THOMPSON earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of Kansas under the direction of Paul Tucker. His doctoral dissertation focused on the Instrumental Conception of Choral Ensemble in the Choral Works of Crawford Gates. Matthew holds a Master of Music in church music, organ emphasis, from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Music in organ performance from Utah State University. He most recently served as lecturer of graduate choral literature at the University of Kansas and administrative assistant for the choral division. He was also assistant director of West Junior High Chorale in Lawrence, Kansas.

As a graduate teaching assistant, Matthew conducted the KU Women’s Chorale, Men’s Glee Club, University Singers, and Vocal Collegium Musicum and directed various instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles. He also taught jazz piano and music technology. As a church musician, he served as Director of Worship and Music at Baldwin First United Methodist Church in Baldwin City, Kansas, where he conducted the chancel choir. He also served for several years as the Assistant Director of Worship and Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas where he developed and implemented a remarkable weekly Jazz Eucharist Service. Matthew currently performs as a guest organist at the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

Matthew is from Lompoc (Lom-poke), California and Sharee from Wellsville, Utah. They met while studying organ at Utah State University. They have enjoyed many years of being able to share their musical gifts together including: conductor/organist, piano/organ duets, and most recently organ duets in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Matthew and Sharee are parents of Clara, age 4, and Andrew, age 2.