Matt is known for his passion and enthusiasm for music and education.  He leads an active career as both a performer and pedagogue. Outside of his work with at the UUCUC, he holds appointments at the University of Chicago, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company of Chicago, the Hyde Park Youth Symphony, the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony and Civic Orchestra, and the Elgin Youth Symphony orchestra.  Sheppard studied with Donald Schleicher as a doctoral candidate in orchestral conducting at the University of Illinois. Before coming to Illinois, he earned a master’s degree in orchestral conducting at Penn State with Gerardo Edelstein. It was during his time at Penn State that he first stumbled upon UUs and served as Music Director for the UU Fellowship of Centre County for three years. Working as music director for seven years in UU settings has been a tremendous privilege!