Faculty Profile

Dr. Matthew Dueppen is an Assistant Professor and the Chair of the Music Department at Spring Arbor University where he directs the SAU Concert Band, SAU Jazz Ensemble, and the SAU Jazz Cats Combo. He also teaches Applied High Brass Lessons, Music History, and Music Education courses. He graduated from California State University, Northridge (BA-Music) in 2008, earned his Master's in Music Education from Lamar University in 2017, and completed his Doctorate in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University in the Spring of 2021. Prior to his appointment at SAU, Dr. Dueppen taught at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI.

Dr. Dueppen has performed most recently with Eurobrass in the summer of 2022 and the renowned Christian brass ensemble, Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass for five seasons (‘17-‘22). In the ‘21-‘22 season, Dr. Dueppen was the Assistant Director of the ensemble. The King's Brass performs over 150 concerts at various venues throughout the U.S and has recorded 18 albums to date. Dr. Dueppen is featured as both a lead trumpet and soloist on their most recent release album, Christmas Joy! In the summer of 2021, he was also featured on their recording of Victory in Jesus. He has also performed with several professional orchestras and ensembles.

Along with his busy touring schedule, Dr. Dueppen is an active soloist, including appearances in the 2017 Reno Jazz Festival, the National Christian Choir ('20), and several performances of The Trumpet Shall Sound from Handel's Messiah. He has presented lectures and recitals at several universities, including The University of Arizona, Florida State University, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Black Hills State University, and Lamar University. Dr. Dueppen is an active contributor to the International Trumpet Guild Journal, publishing a peer-reviewed article on Clifford Brown's solo transcriptions and several music reviews and articles. In April 2021, he published his doctoral treatise, The Benefits of Nutritional Supplementation for Building the Muscles of the Trumpet Embouchure, through ProQuest publishing.

Dr. Dueppen's primary research interests include early baroque trumpet, jazz history/analysis, the health and wellness of brass players, and the prevention of brass playing resulted injuries. He will be featured in the 2021 Fall edition of the International Trumpet journal for his article entitled, Bridging the Gap: The Earliest Trumpet Methods & Their Influences in Modern Trumpet Pedagogy. This article is also currently under submission to be presented at the 2022 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Minneapolis, MN.

From the moment I encountered the music department at Spring Arbor University (SAU), I knew God had a far greater plan for me than I could have ever envisioned. What started as a simple conversation with my director of music at Cornerstone University turned into a profound journey of purpose. At that time, I had no idea that this casual exchange would be the spark that led me to a place that now feels like home.

The pivotal moment came when I conducted a workshop during SAU’s spring music tour in 2022. I felt an undeniable connection, or calling, as I met with the faculty and the students. That day ignited a new motivation within me, and it became the catalyst for my decision to join the SAU community—a decision driven by the desire to make a lasting impact.

Since that first encounter, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional colleagues, talented students, devoted alumni, and community partners. Together, we are pushing boundaries and expanding the musical landscape on the SAU campus through new academic programs and ensembles. I am deeply passionate about creating forward-thinking programs and ensembles that not only prepare students for fulfilling careers but also serve as beacons of growth and innovation at SAU and within the ever-changing music industry.

Every day, I am reminded that I am part of something much larger—God’s transformative work through music in the lives of our SAU students. As I mentor students, I witness firsthand the impact of our collective efforts as faculty, equipping them to thrive both professionally and spiritually as “critical participants” in a constantly evolving world. Together, we are shaping a new chapter in music at SAU, where faith and artistry unite to build Christ’s kingdom and make a lasting impact in the world.