Biography
Matthew R. Durrant is an American composer and educator whose music explores landscape, memory, and narrative across acoustic and electronic media. Inspired by the geography and cultural history of the American West, his works seek to create a vivid sense of place while forging meaningful emotional connections with audiences. His compositions—ranging from orchestral and chamber music to fixed electronics—have been performed throughout the United States and internationally, including appearances at the International Trombone Festival, the International Double Reed Society Convention (Thailand), and national conferences of the Society of Composers, Inc.
A multiple-time finalist for The American Prize in both orchestral and chamber music, Durrant has received commissions from performers and institutions including the Skagit Symphony and the Natural History Museum of Utah. His music is published by Cherry Classics, ALRY Publications, TrevCo Music, and Waterton Brass, and is recorded on the Navona Records label. He has also served as Artist-in-Residence at Craters of the Moon National Monument, reflecting his ongoing engagement with landscape as creative catalyst.
Durrant holds a Ph.D. in Composition from the University of Utah. He teaches music theory and humanities at the University of Utah and Utah Valley University, and music technology at Salt Lake Community College. Across these institutions, he is dedicated to fostering creativity, analytical rigor, and artistic curiosity in his students.
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https://www.mrdcomposer.com/
Curriculum Vitae
