Matthew Abernathy

Matthew Abernathy serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Director of Choirs in the Department of Conducting at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance, directing the internationally acclaimed Michigan Men's Glee Club. Recognized for refined musicianship and collaborative leadership, he won the 2024 MidAmerica International Choral Conducting Competition Grand Prize, securing a Carnegie Hall debut in June 2026.

His academic credentials include degrees from:

• University of Minnesota
• University of Michigan
• Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam)
• Onondaga Community College

Dr. Abernathy's research centers on aural skills development and musicianship training specifically for conductors, alongside leadership methodologies for choral directors. A passionate advocate for lifelong music education, he has presented his scholarly work at the ACDA Southern Conference and champions community-based art-making initiatives across diverse age groups.

His major accolades include:

• Grand Prize, MidAmerica International Choral Conducting Competition (2024)
• Semifinalist and sole American participant, Fosco Corti International Competition for Choral Conductors (2022)

As an educator, Abernathy has mentored students through ensembles including the University of Tampa's Chamber Singers and Camerata, developed comprehensive community engagement programs reaching all ages in Tampa Bay, and directed Minnesota Opera's youth opera program Project Opera. His commissioning initiatives at the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay supported living composers including Jerod Tate and Natalie Draper.

He leads the Michigan Men's Glee Club and maintains active collaborations with The Florida Orchestra, Minnesota Chorale, Wintergreen Music Festival, and Bach Society of Minnesota, having prepared choruses for conductors including Osmo Vänskä and Michael Christie.