Matthew R. Arau

Dr. Matthew R. Arau is an Associate Professor of Music Education and Chair of the Music Education Department at Lawrence University's Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. He also serves as Symphonic Band Conductor and Associate Director of Bands. His roles extend to Conn-Selmer Education Clinician, graduate conducting faculty at Central Washington University's American Band College, and graduate music education faculty at VanderCook College of Music. He holds a DMA in Conducting and Literature (University of Colorado Boulder, 2015), an MS in Music Education (American Band College, 2003), and dual bachelor's degrees from Lawrence University (BM in Music Performance/Music Education and BA in Government, 1997).

Dr. Arau’s expertise focuses on student leadership, mindfulness, growth mindset, and creating positive musical cultures. He has guest-conducted honor bands globally, presented at major conferences (e.g., Midwest Clinic, NAfME), and authored the bestseller Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond. His work includes pioneering the Leadership Symposium during his 15-year tenure as a middle/high school band director in Loveland, Colorado, where his ensembles achieved national acclaim.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. His professional contributions extend to founding Upbeat Global and advising through his academic and clinical roles. He resides in Neenah, Wisconsin, with his family and pets.