Matt Dudack is a versatile percussionist and educator who serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of an Akron. As Artistic Director of the acclaimed University of Akron Steel Drum Band, he earned a Grammy nomination for the album "Live at EJ Thomas Hall" and two Emmy nominations for his work on the PBS feature "Hammer on Steel." He is a founding member of the Akros Percussion Collective, a chamber ensemble dedicated to new and experimental music, and also directs Founds Sounds, an outreach percussion group. A respected authority in the steelpan community, Matt has published one of the first comprehensive methods for the instrument and is an active composer, arranger, and clinician for steelbands. In addition to performing with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, he directs the Miller South Steelband and teaches at the Canton Country Day School. Matt holds degrees from the Hartt School and the University of Akron.