b. 1986
Michael Mathenia began formally composing and arranging during his undergraduate years at Lambuth University in Jackson, TN under the instruction of Dr. Brandon Goff. As an undergraduate, he was the recipient of the Lambuth Scholar Award for fine arts and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fine Arts Achievement Award. In 2009, he graduated from Lambuth with a bachelor's degree in applied music with concentrations in both vocal and piano performance. In the fall of 2011, he received his master's degree in music composition from the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN while studying under Dr. Kamran Ince and was accepted for their doctorate program for the following semester. As a doctoral candidate at the University of Memphis, he studied under the direction of Dr. John Baur and in May of 2013, he was awarded the Smit Composition Award by the University of Memphis composition department. In May of 2015, he received a D.M.A. degree from the University of Memphis with focuses in Music Composition and Theory.
As a composer, he has had works premiered by a number of ensembles, some of which include the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble (CCP) of the University of Memphis; PRIZM Ensemble and Luna Nova Ensemble of Memphis, TN; Present Music Ensemble of Milwaukee, WI; University Singers of the University of Memphis; the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra of Jackson, TN; the University Trio and LCD Trio of Martin, TN; and the Contemporary Music Group (CMG) of the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Born in Jackson, TN, Michael also studied violin from a very early age and performed with groups such as the Camarata Strings and the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra for over 11 years. As a violinist and violist for over twenty-five years, he has performed for numerous musicals, cantatas, services, recitals, and theatrical productions. In addition, he has performed with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and as a member of the Jackson Four String Quartet. As a vocalist, he has sung with both the Lambuth University choir and Lambuth chamber singers under the direction of Dr. Ross Bernhardt and Dr. Don Huneycutt as well as with the University of Memphis choir under the direction of Dr. Lawrence Edwards.
Michael currently resides in Jackson, TN, with his wife, Louise, and daughters, Adalyn and Rebekah. He is employed by the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he teaches Music Theory, Composition, and Strings.