Dr. Matthew Jordan is an Assistant Professor of Percussion in the Department of Music. From Nashville, TN, Jordan earned his BM in Percussion Performance at Middle Tennessee State University, MM in Percussion Performance at the University of North Texas, and DM in Percussion Performance at Florida State University.

Jordan is currently teaching class percussion, two percussion ensembles, and applied percussion lessons during his third year at JSU. His favorite things to instruct are the percussion ensembles because each semester brings in a new repertoire, keeping things “interesting.” Jordan also loves being able to work with talented faculty and students as a member of the Music Department.

In addition to being a percussion professor at JSU, Jordan is “actively involved in the Drum Corps International (with the Bluecoats and the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps), Winter Guard International (with Music City Mystique), and Bands of America activities, in addition to performing with multiple orchestras and chamber groups throughout the southeast.” Applying his talents is no difficulty for Jordan, who has recorded CDs with the Grammy award-winning Nashville Symphony, as well as multiple video game and film scores, including “My Little Pony: The Movie.”

In his spare time, Jordan likes to entertain his interest in technology. He also enjoys outdoor activities like backpacking and mountain and road biking. He backpacked the Maroon Bells/Aspen Snowmass for five days during the summer of 2021.

If he had to give advice to his students, Jordan would tell them “Be curious! You’re your own best teacher and mentor, since you spend more time alone practicing and rehearsing than you do with any teacher in lessons. The students that are successful long-term are the ones that go out of their way to find new and interesting information and resources.”