Utilizing an eclectic musical approach, Dr. Matthew Geiger continues to champion both new and canonic percussive works through teaching, performance, and research.  His experience includes both the study and performance of orchestral percussion, solo and chamber repertoire, timpani, drum set, and world music. Currently, Matthew is Assistant Professor of Percussion at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. Prior to ETSU, Matthew taught at Morehead State University in Kentucky, serving as Visiting Assistant Professor of Jazz and Percussion. His recent performances have focused on solo vibraphone, both in the jazz idiom as well as contemporary twentieth-century repertoire.  Along with International solo performances in Sweden and China, he performed a vibraphone concerto with Science Hill High School at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2018 and was named the winner of the 2013 International Solo Vibraphone Competition by the Percussive Arts Society. 

As the coordinator of percussion studies at ETSU, Matthew has helped to build on the history of excellence in percussion at the University. The ensemble has performed for prestigious occasions around the country, winning awards for both their concert and marching programs. Most recently, the ETSU percussion ensemble was invited to present the New Literature Showcase concert at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2023 after winning the concert chamber percussion ensemble competition in 2022.  


Matthew embraces a comprehensive approach to percussion through collaborations, including performance tours with both Aleph and BlueSHIFT Percussion Quartets and serving as Principal Percussion with the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra and Symphony of the Mountains. A former performing member of the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, he also has served as an instructor for DCI World Class finalists, The Cadets and The Academy. Matthew has premiered pieces by many distinguished composers, including: Christopher Adler, Juri Seo, Anders Åstrand, Glenn Kotche, Brian Nozny, Roger Zare, and Ben Wahlund.  He has recorded for the Naxos and Mark Records label, including performing as percussionist and timpanist on the Grammy nominated recording of Darius Milhaud's "L'Orestie, d’Eschyle". 

An active member in the Percussive Arts Society, Matthew serves in many capacities for the organization. He is the current president of the Tennessee chapter, having served as Vice-President of both the Tennessee and Kentucky chapters. He regularly writes articles and reviews for Percussive Notes. He has also presented numerous clinics and fundamental sessions including “Tangible Goals of Higher Education” in 2022, “Integrating Technology in the Rehearsal Room” in 2021, “Vibraphone FUNdamentals” in 2018 in Indianapolis and “Passing the Pre-Screening” on recording techniques for auditions in 2015 in San Antonio for the Percussive Arts Society International Conventions (PASIC).  Matthew also serves on the Percussion Ensemble committee after previously serving on the World Percussion Committee dedicated to bringing more diverse musical experiences to students and professionals.  Along with multiple chamber performances at PASIC, Matthew was asked in 2011 and 2014 to perform and conduct with the University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble at the PASIC showcase concert.   


Matthew received his Doctor of Musical Arts along with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Mathematics at the University of Kentucky. He received his Master's degree in percussion performance at the University of Michigan.  His principal teachers include James B. Campbell, Joseph Gramley, Jonathan Ovalle, Michael Gould, Paul Berns, and Chad Kohler.  Matthew Geiger is a Yamaha Performing Artist and educational artist for Zildjian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion, and Black Swamp Percussion.