Dr. Matthew R. Durrant, Music Theory & Composition

PhD in Music Composition, University of Utah
MM in Music Composition, University of Utah
BM in Piano Performance, Boise State University (magna cum laude)
BM in Music Composition, Boise State University (magna cum laude)

Teachers

Composition: Paul Seare, Wallis Bratt, Miguel Chuaqui, Steve Roens, Morris Rosenzweig
Piano: Chiyo Honma, Dennis Hirst, Del Parkinson
Trombone: Ted Burgess, Todd Fallis, David Mathie

Publications & Recordings

Matthew has several works published by Trevco-Varner Music, Waterton Brass, Cherry Classics, and the UCLA Contemporary Music Score Collection.
Quintet No. 1 for Winds
Quintet No. 2 for Winds
Exhibits for Bassoon and Piano
Postcards from the Inland Sea
Creations for Trombone Choir
Sonata for Trombone and Piano
The Land of Standing Rocks
Quarantined Improvisations

Additionally, he has worked with PARMA Records to release an album featuring his work, Three Excursions for Piano

Many of his works can be heard here: https://soundcloud.com/mattdurrant

Biography

Matthew enjoys music of many styles and genres, and that interest is often reflected in his compositions. They can vary from quite traditional to more complex, atonal works. He particularly enjoys writing for winds and brass.  Often times his work is influenced by natural history, geography, and the sweeping vistas of the American West, particularly Idaho and Utah.  This has led to numerous collaborations with like-minded filmmakers and photographers. Matthew provided a portion of the music for the Inland/Outland Utah film project that was featured in the Kimball Arts Center in Park City, Utah, and the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art in Salt Lake City. Additionally, he has collaborated with the Natural History Museum of Utah to bring their exhibits to life through music. Matthew's music has been featured in concerts, new music conferences, and festivals throughout the United States. He currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Utah and has been and instructor there since 2011.

Professional Affiliations

Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Utah
Adjunct Faculty at Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana
Society of Composers, Inc,
National Association of Composers/USA (NACUSA) - Sounds New Chapter
American Composers Forum
Music Teachers National Association
ASCAP

Awards

2015 Finalist - Alfred Lambourne Prize - Friends of Great Salt Lake, Utah
2016 Leroy Robertson Composition Prize recipient - University of Utah
2021 Finalist - American Prize for Music Composition - Instrumental Chamber Music division
2021-22 Artist in Residence - Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho