Dr. Matthew Arau
Associate Professor of Music, Chair of Music Education & Associate Director of Bands
Lawrence University
Biography
Dr. Matthew Arau is an experience. Whether you are drawn to his dynamic speaking, his leadership expertise, his passionate conducting, his dedication to superior musicianship, or his engaging teaching style, the common denominator is Dr. Arau's uncanny ability to rekindle the flame within and to inspire peak performances.
In addition to being a music professor, an active conductor of honor bands, and a saxophone soloist, Dr. Arau teaches about leadership, rehearsal techniques, growth mindset, creating a positive culture, and unlocking potential at clinics, conferences, and schools around the country and the world. No matter the setting, one can expect a customized, authentic leadership experience that inspires and empowers students and elevates programs. Through vulnerability, story, and humor, Dr. Arau connects with students and teaches the importance of embracing struggle as part of the process of growth and the pursuit of excellence. While working together to create a mission and vision for programs, students learn that leadership comes from within - that who we are matters - and that leadership is about encouraging and inspiring others to become their greatest possibility. Tailor-made to fit the unique qualities of your program and students, collaboration with Dr. Arau is fun, motivating, and transformative, and delivers a lasting impact.
Dr. Matthew Arau, founder of Upbeat Global, is the Chair of the Music Education Department and Associate Director of Bands at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. In addition, Dr. Arau is on the faculty of the American Band College of Central Washington University and VanderCook College of Music. He also serves as a Conn-Selmer Education Clinician and as Member-at-Large on the NAfME Council for Band Education.
Dr. Arau has guest conducted and presented on student leadership, mindfulness, growth mindset, rehearsal techniques, and creating positive cultures in over 25 states and 4 continents. 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 teaches his Upbeat! Leadership Program to student leaders and Drum Majors at in-person and online camps around the United States and abroad.
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 D.M.A. 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 and resources from Dr. Matthew Arau can be found at www.upbeatglobal.com.
Student Leadership: Pathway to Success
Student
This session digs into the why, how, and what of building a thriving student leadership program that lifts up every aspect of a music program. Be ready to put leadership into action!
The 4C's of Upbeat Leadership: A Blueprint for Success
Student
This session teaches the four cornerstones of leadership and equips our students to lead and thrive.
Upbeat! Creating a Positive Culture in Music Ensembles
Student
This session provides strategies and ideas from positive psychology to raise spirits and strengthen community so that our daily routine is fulfilling and meaningful.
Conducting and Teaching Music with Intent
Teacher
We can change the outcome and elevate the level of artistry and musicianship when we are clear in our intent and purpose. Sometimes the “nudge” needed to get to the next level is more in how we do it than in what we do. Bring your batons!
Edge of Your Seat Rehearsals
Teacher
This clinic provides strategies to engage students at the highest level throughout rehearsals to ensure they are literally and figuratively on the edge of their seats.
Empowerment, Trust, and Creativity in Music Making
Teacher
Often in ensemble rehearsals, it is the conductor who makes the decisions and who has the greatest opportunity to be creative. Grappling with the question of WHY we do what we do, this session seeks to broaden the responsibility for creativity, artistry, and musicianship through empowerment of ensemble members in an environment founded on connection and trust.
Leadership Matters: Enhance Your Music Program with Effective Student Leadership
Teacher
This clinic will present a proven method of training student leaders who are intrinsically motivated and who operate using core principles of Stephen Covey, John Maxwell, john wooden, and other notable leaders. Teachers will be given the tools to start their own leadership training program and be able to reap the reward of driven students, efficient rehearsals, and a culture of excellence.
Making the Connection
Teacher
How we connect with ensemble members, the music, the audience, parents and administrators is critical to our success as music educators. This session will expand on Brené Brown's idea of connecting through vulnerability and apply it to our daily lives as music teachers.
Unlocking Potential: The Impact of Mindset on Success
Teacher
This session will dive into the concept of midset and its critical impact on education in the music classroom. It will explore methods to teach the concept of mindset and provide strategies to encourage a growth mindset classroom so students can unlock their potential.
Upbeat! Creating a Positive Culture in Music Ensembles
Teacher
This session provides strategies and ideas from positive psychology to raise spirits and strengthen community so our daily routine in fulfilling and meaningful.
Vulnerability and Meaning in Music Rehearsal
Teacher
This clinic will focus on tapping into the emotional content and meaning of the music we program and how we can create a rehearsal that focuses on the affective side of music-making by connecting through vulnerability.
Keep the Flame Lit
The first days of the school year are an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning, and an opportunity to once again ignite the flame for music. As music teachers we devote our lives to share our love for and knowledge of music with our students.
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Helping Students Reach the Mountaintop
I believe one of the reasons we become teachers is so that we can help our students reach their full potential. As we gain experience and develop as educators, we learn new methods and strategies to help our students gain success. However, we all have felt disappointment when a student gives up before reaching the top of the mountain.
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Connecting Through Vulnerability
Why do students love music class? Because it fulfills their greatest needs—connection, love, and belonging. As we return to our campuses this month, let’s try to be a little more vulnerable and connect at a new level.
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The Trust of Leadership
How can trust be established? This article will focus on the importance of trust in the development of a band student leadership program and the process of developing trust.
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Matthew Arau
Matthew speaking at Conn-Selmer Institute (CSI) 2019
Photos of Matthew Arau
Matthew Arau leading a group activity at the Conn-Selmer Institute.
Photos of Matthew Arau
Matthew Arau talking with a group of students at the Conn-Selmer Institute.