Matthew Hougland

Matthew Hougland (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Undergraduate Musical Theatre Studies here at Carthage College. A native Hoosier, Matthew has taught and performed in various venues across North America. Matthew’s students can be seen on Broadway, on national tours, TV/film, cruise ships, and in various regional theaters. Matthew holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, both from New York University, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Anderson University.

Matthew’s teaching career started at Pike High School in Indianapolis, Ind., where he was the associate choir director. Matthew’s high school students went on to receive numerous caption awards including Grand Champion, Best Vocals, and Best Choreography in the Show Choir Competition Circuit. In addition to their home concert schedule, Matthew’s choirs were regulars at the ISSMA State Concert Choir Finals where they would frequently place in the top four of the state in the Treble Choir division.

After receiving a Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Grant, Matthew sold his car and his house, packed up, and moved to NYC where he attended New York University to pursue his Masters in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy. While at NYU, Matthew was adjunct voice faculty, assistant music director, and accompanist. In addition to his teaching and course work, Matthew was regularly seen on stage in shows such as “Sister Act,” “Amour,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and “A Catered Affair.” Matthew also worked closely with Larry O’Keefe (“Bat Boy,” “Legally Blonde”) and Nell Benjamin (“Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde”) in a workshop production of their show “The Wild Party.”

Matthew’s professional performing credits include: National Tour — Spamilton as Man at the Piano/King George III and Music Director; Off-Broadway — Emergency: the Musical; Regional— Chicago (Mary Sunshine) – Broadway World Best Actor Award Winner; Workshops — Wickedest Woman and others.

While in NYC, Matthew was also teaching faculty at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Professional Performing Arts School, NYC Vocal Studio, and Rosie’s Theater Kids.

Matthew is also a Vocal Director for Celebrity Cruises and is still active as a Music Director for the Spamilton National Tour. When not teaching or performing, Matthew enjoys his summers in Provincetown, Mass., and always makes time for his drag persona, Ma’am. “Nothing to Prove, Only to Share”

• Bachelor of Music, Music Education — Anderson University
• Master of Music, Vocal Performance, Musical Theater Emphasis — New York University
• Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy — New York University

• MUS 0250 Private Voice
• MUS 3400 Music Theatre History
• MUS/THR 2620 Music Theatre Workshop
• MUS 5500 Graduate Private Voice