Saxophonist Matthew Mahaffey joined the studio at the University of Iowa in 2013 to pursue his DMA. Mahaffey has performed internationally and presented master classes and lectures throughout the United States. Mahaffey has presented numerous World Premieres and participated in commissions with well-known composers such as Ida Gotkovsky and Robert Lemay. In 2012, Mahaffey premiered Lemay's "Concetto Spaziale" as a member of the Echo Rogue Trio with fellow saxohonists Dr. Jeffrey E. Vickers and Dr. Chris Anderson at the World Saxophone Congress in St. Andrews, Scotland. Mahaffey is a proponent of the education and performance of contemporary saxophone literature.



Mahaffey has taken 1st prize in multiple State and Regional competitions including the Music Teacher's National Association competitions. As a dedicated member of chamber ensembles, Mahaffey has participated in quartets which have also won State and Regional competitions. 

 

Mahaffey received his Masters of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University, a student of Dr. Nathan Nabb. While at SFASU, Mahaffey worked as a clinician and maintained a private studio, having students placed in top chairs in both All-Region and Honor Bands. During his time at SFASU, he participated in numerous ensembles and worked with colleauges in the composition studio to perform world premieres for saxophone. He participated in a clinic with composer Christian Lauba performing "Hard", "Balafon," and "Massai" with Professor Dan Gelok. Mahaffey was named Woodwind Recitalist of Year in 2013 and was a featured soloist at SFASU's Extravaganza 2013.

 

Mahaffey received his Bachelors of Music Education from Southern Arkansas University, a student of Dr. Jeffrey E. Vickers. During his time at SAU, he participated in multiple ensembles and performed at  nation-wide conferences. He performed in master classes with Dr. Debra Richtmeyer (University of Illinois) and Dr. Kenneth Tse (University of Iowa), performing works by Muczynski and  Scelsi. He was named Outstanding Student in the College of Liberal and Performing Arts and graduated summa cum laude.

 



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