Matthew Doran is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with degrees in music education and organ performance. He began his organ study with Dr. David Christiansen and studied with Professor James Russell Brown at NIU. He performed with many of the university’s ensembles and appeared as organ soloist in Samuel Barber’s “Toccata Festiva” with the NIU Philharmonic in 2016 as a concerto competition winner. In addition to his organ studies, Matthew studied jazz piano with Willie Pickens and was a member of the NIU Jazz Lab Band.
In October 2014, Matthew performed in two concerts of the WFMT Bach Organ Project. In addition to organ recitals, he has performed on organ and piano in several professional ensemble settings. These include performances with Cor Cantiamo at St. James Cathedral in Chicago and with the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus.
Currently, Matthew is the Music Director of St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in Arlington Heights. In the school, he teaches general music classes, bands, and musical theater. He also serves as Registrar on the board of the North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
