Matt Hill, DMA

Faculty Biography

Dr. Matt Hill is a nationally celebrated conductor, composer, educator, and arts leader whose work champions choral music as a transformative force for human connection, personal growth, and social impact.

At Creighton University in Omaha, NE, Dr. Hill serves as Director of Choral Activities, leading the Chamber Choir and University Chorus while teaching courses in conducting, music history, and music theory. His teaching philosophy blends rigorous artistic standards with a relational, student-centered approach that fosters trust, emotional safety, and holistic growth. Students describe his rehearsals as vibrant spaces where vulnerability and excellence converge, transforming ensembles into tight-knit communities united by shared artistry.

As the Founder and Artistic Director of Sing Omaha, a nonprofit music education and performance organization established in 2007, he has built a dynamic community hub in the Midwest. Sing Omaha encompasses nine choirs tailored to various ages and skill levels, a thriving private lesson studio with two locations, and summer programs that engage hundreds of students annually, earning widespread recognition for its artistic and educational excellence.

Dr. Hill’s musical journey began in a home filled with nightly singalongs and a family culture that nurtured creativity and service. Mentored by acclaimed composer-conductor Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, Hill earned a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Oklahoma State University and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
His professional conducting career began in 2003 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bellevue, NE, and his work in music ministry continues at Divine Shepherd in Omaha. From 2014 to 2023, he served as Director of Choral Activities at Peru State College before joining the faculty at Creighton.

National Profile

A versatile conductor, Hill has led school, collegiate, church, and community ensembles and has been a sought-after guest conductor and clinician for honor choirs and festivals across the United States. In 2019, he conducted the inaugural Summer All-State Concert Choir for the Nebraska Choral Directors Association (NCDA), a landmark event in the state’s choral community.

As a thought leader, Dr. Hill is a frequent presenter and adjudicator at conferences in states including California, Texas, Ohio, and beyond. He serves as Executive Director of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association (NCDA) and as the national Repertoire & Resources Chair for Community Choirs for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His leadership earned him the NCDA’s prestigious “Choral Director of the Year” award in 2015 and 2019, reflecting his profound impact on the choral field.

Under his direction, Sing Omaha’s adult choirs have been selected as featured ensembles at the NCDA conference four times since 2012, showcasing innovative programming that embraces diverse cultures, languages, and historical contexts. His commitment to artistic diversity and social consciousness elevates the choral experience, making it a platform for both beauty and meaning.

Philosophical Approach

A dedicated voice pedagogue, Dr. Hill grounds his teaching in the bel canto tradition, drawing on the teachings of Richard Miller and Berton Coffin to cultivate healthy, expressive vocal technique. His choral rehearsals seamlessly integrate technical precision with artistic depth, empowering singers to achieve sustainable, resonant sound and emotional authenticity. Through Sing Omaha, he launched a conductor internship program that mentors emerging leaders in choral conducting, rehearsal management, and nonprofit arts leadership, embodying his commitment to fostering excellence and empathy in the next generation.

At the heart of Dr. Hill’s philosophy is the belief that people matter more than product. He views choral music as a deeply human endeavor, where trust, empathy, and discipline converge to create transformative experiences. Whether conducting, teaching, or composing, he invests in the lives of those he serves, fostering communities bound by shared purpose.
A devoted husband and father, Dr. Hill balances a demanding career across four roles to support his family and enable his wife and son to homeschool together. This commitment reflects the same values of care and purpose that define his professional life. Ultimately, he aspires to be known not only for his musical achievements but for the lives he influences through his artistry, leadership, and humanity.

Research Focus

As a composer, Dr. Hill crafts evocative settings of sacred texts and poetry by luminaries like Sara Teasdale and Emily Dickinson. Published by MusicSpoke, his works are lauded for their lyrical clarity and emotional resonance. His 15-minute Gloria for mixed choir, brass quintet, percussion, and organ premiered in December 2024 to critical acclaim, marking a significant milestone in his compositional career.

A regular contributor to the national Choral Journal, Hill writes on topics such as nonprofit leadership, choral rehearsal strategies, and community engagement.