Matt Hightower

Matt Hightower is the Assistant Professor of Tuba-Euphonium at the University of Kentucky. As a professional tubist, Dr. Hightower’s performance experience covers a wide range of chamber, orchestral, and solo music that spans three continents and ten countries. He is a prizewinner of international solo competitions and has presented masterclasses to tuba/euphonium students around the world. His debut album, “Re(in)spiration,” was nominated for the 2021 Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in recording.

In addition to his career as a teacher and performer, Dr. Hightower is an award-winning composer. In 2021 Dr. Hightower was named the winner of the ITEA Winston Morris Award for Tuba Ensemble Composition with “IET Fanfare” and in 2010 winner of the KMEA Intercollegiate Composition Contest. Commissioned works by Dr. Hightower have received premier performances at the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019 International Tuba Euphonium Conferences, the 2017 & 2018 South Central Regional Tuba Euphonium Conferences, the 2018 South East Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference, the John F. Kennedy Center, and the 2016 Texas Music Educators Conference. Many of his arrangements and original works are published through Potenza Music and Absolute Prass Publishing. He is also a composer for Fannin Musical Productions, where he arranges and composes music for high school bands across the United States.

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