Matthew Erickson, M.M.

Biography 

Matthew Erickson, originally from Marcus, Iowa, earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of South Dakota and Master of Music in trombone performance at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. From 2000-22, he served as a trombonist in the United States Air Force Bands in Nebraska, Massachusetts, Texas and Germany. Throughout his Air Force career, he performed more than 1,800 engagements, appeared on or produced 10 recordings and entertained millions of civilian and military listeners, including five United States presidents and many leaders of foreign countries. In addition to his musical duties, Erickson has served as director of operations for three Air Force Bands. In these key leadership positions, he organized performances for bands, chamber ensembles and individual musicians in 45 countries throughout the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia. Erickson produced international music events with a variety of guest artists, ranging from the New York Philharmonic to American Idol. As a bass trombone soloist, Erickson has been featured on eight national tours with Air Force Bands and appeared at state, regional and national music conferences. In March of 2014, Erickson was invited to perform the Chris Brubeck Bass Trombone Concerto with the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds in Boston's famed Jordan Hall to open the College Band Directors National Association Regional Conference. Erickson has a keen interest in brass chamber music and arranging. From 2012-13, he served as the music director and conductor of the Bay Colony Brass. He led the 21-member ensemble in community concerts at various venues throughout Boston. As an arranger, Erickson's transcriptions have been performed by hundreds of brass ensembles, big bands and trombone choirs across the country. Erickson has presented masterclasses throughout the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia, ranging from trombone pedagogy to brass ensemble performance. Erickson has performed with San Antonio Symphony, Omaha Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, Lincoln (NE) Symphony Orchestra, Sioux City (IA) Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Bay Colony Brass, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra and numerous brass chamber ensembles. He has served on the faculty of Iowa Western Community College and maintains a successful private trombone studio. Erickson is a S.E. Shires Performing Artist.