Matthew Arau
Author and founder of Upbeat Global
Associate Professor of Music at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, Appleton, Wisconsin
Dr. Matthew Arau, author of Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond and founder of Upbeat Global, is an Associate Professor of Music and the Chair of the Music Education Department and Symphonic Band Conductor at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. In addition, Dr. Arau serves as a Conn-Selmer Education Clinician and is on the graduate conducting faculty of the American Band College of Central Washington University and graduate music education faculty at VanderCook College of Music.
Dr. Arau has guest conducted and presented on student leadership, mindfulness, growth mindset, rehearsal techniques, and creating positive cultures in person in over 25 states and 4 continents in person. He has presented at the International Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Western International Band Clinic, the NAfME National Conference, numerous State and Regional Music Education Association Conferences, and the Conn-Selmer Institute. He has conducted honor bands in Australia, Greece, Cyprus, and Malaysia, and All-State honor bands across the United States. Dr. Arau draws on a deep reservoir of fifteen years of experience as a successful middle school and high school band director in Loveland, Colorado, where he led his bands at Walt Clark Middle School and Loveland High School to numerous honor performances and championships and pioneered the Leadership Symposium.
Dr. Arau holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Science in Music Education from the American Band College of Southern Oregon University. He graduated magna cum laude from Lawrence University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, Music Performance (Classical), Music Performance (Jazz Studies), and a Bachelor of Arts in Government. He resides in Neenah, Wisconsin with his wife Merilee, their dog Olive, and two sugar gliders – Little Foot and Flash. More information about Dr. Arau can be found at www.upbeatglobal.com.
Matthew’s Workshops
Thursday, July 10
Upbeat! The Power Within
We often look outside of ourselves for the solutions and answers to the challenges we face. Dr. Matthew Arau reminds us that despite the hurdles, we can make a significant difference by tapping into the power within ourselves and our team-members. Through choosing our personal upbeat and being intentional with how we teach and lead, we can create a positive, inclusive culture by design and elevate the level of learning, performance, joy, belonging, empowerment, and motivation.
4:40PM – 6:00PM
Breakout 8
Location Pending
Friday, July 11
Edge of Your Seat Rehearsals: Engage All Students Always
Discover rehearsal strategies that will actively engage, energize, and elevate the level of performance of every student, leading to successful recruitment, retention, and personal fulfillment. Edge of Your Seat rehearsals are fun, exciting, and filled with growth and inspiration. Students are empowered to contribute, collaborate, and lead. Be prepared to add to your rehearsal techniques toolbox, find meaning and purpose in your repertoire, welcome more students into your music program, and reimagine how music can be taught. Get ready to implement many of these ideas at your next rehearsal.