Matthew Gardner

MATTHEW GARDNER

Matthew Gardner is the choral director at Austin High School in Decatur, AL, where he teaches AP Music Theory and conducts the Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, Tenor-Bass Choir, and Vocal Methods. Originally from Huntsville, AL, Matthew has spent much of his life leading and performing music in the area. He is co-founder of the Huntsville Summer Music program, which provides music education students practical teaching and conducting experience before they begin their careers. Matthew served as coordinator and conductor of the program’s chorus and wind band. Ensembles under Matthew’s direction have consistently received “Superior” ratings at state music performance assessments. Matthew is an active performer in professional choral ensembles such as Coro Vocati in Atlanta, GA and the Cahaba Chamber Chorale in Birmingham.

In service to the profession, Matthew has served as district chair and currently serves as Digital Media Director for the Alabama Vocal Association. In 2024, Matthew was the recipient of the Edward H. Cleino Outstanding Young Music Educator Award presented by the Alabama Music Educators Association.

In addition to his full-time teaching, Matthew is an adjunct instructor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has served as conductor of the UAH Concert Choir as well as the substitute conductor of the UAH Chamber Choir. Matthew also serves as Director of Music Ministries at Valley United Methodist Church in Huntsville, AL.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Alabama in Huntsville as well as a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University.