Matthew Vaughn
Trombone / Performance
Matthew Vaughn has been a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1999, and has been co-principal trombone since 2014. He joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in 2012.
Previous positions have included principal trombone of the San Antonio Symphony and service in the United States Air Force Concert Band in Washington, D.C. He has performed with the Los Angeles and Israel philharmonics; the Atlanta, Dallas, and National symphonies; and the “Super-World” Orchestra in Tokyo, Japan.
Born in Dallas and raised in Richmond, Indiana, Mr. Vaughn earned a Bachelor of Music degree with high distinction and a Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University in 1992, continuing with graduate work in education and conducting at Indiana University and George Mason University. He was also honored as a Chancellor Scholar at Indiana University. His varied musical background has included being the winner of the Eastern Trombone Workshop solo competition and membership in the Disneyland All-American College Jazz Band, in addition to performance on stage with many of the world’s most famous conductors and soloists.
An accomplished music educator, Mr. Vaughn is the founder and artistic director of Bar Harbor Brass Week, an intense summer festival for high school and college brass players.
In addition to his work at Curtis, he teaches trombone and coaches brass chamber music at Temple University.
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher at Curtis?
I am just continually blown away by what the students are capable of achieving at such a young age. Often I feel like I learn more from the students than what they are getting from me!
Who has encouraged or supported you during your career?
I was very fortunate as a young person growing up in central Indiana to have an amazing teacher, David Brumfield, and great support from local band and orchestra directors. M. Dee Stewart, a former member of the Philadelphia Orchestra and teacher at Curtis, was and continues to be my most influential teacher--I studied with him at Indiana University.
What has been one of your best memories while at Curtis?
I remember going to hear a student recital before I became a teacher at Curtis by Sam Armstrong, and I was completely blown away! I continue to be amazed by the artistry at the school by my students, and love to see how much students grow in such a short time in this environment.