Dr. Matthew Ferrell is a versatile choral conductor with a distinguished career spanning both academia and professional music organizations. After a successful tenure as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at St. Cloud State University, Dr. Ferrell transitioned to a new role in financial planning, where he is now a Certified Financial Planner.

Prior to his recent career change, Dr. Ferrell conducted the St. Cloud State University Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, leading them internationally with performances in Ireland and South Africa. Under his direction, the choirs achieved numerous accolades, including multiple state and divisional conference appearances. His commitment to excellence was further demonstrated through his role as Associate Conductor of the Master Chorale of South Florida, where he assisted in preparing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Cleveland Orchestra and conducted the Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ferrell has been an active clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor for choral festivals and conferences across the country. He is a dedicated member of professional organizations and has served on the Executive Board of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO).

Dr. Ferrell’s conducting expertise has been recognized by prestigious institutions, and he was selected as one of six conductors nationally to represent the U.S. in a conductor exchange with South Korea. Through his studies under renowned conductors such as Dale Warland, Helmuth Rilling, Marin Alsop, and Jo-Michael Scheibe, Dr. Ferrell has developed a deep understanding of choral music and conducting techniques. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Miami, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The Hartt School.