2025 Keynote Speaker

Internationally renowned speaker, coach, author, and conductor, Dr. Matthew Arau empowers people to their shatter limiting beliefs, unlock their full potential, and orchestrate their lives in alignment with their values and vision. As the founder and CEO of Upbeat Global and author of the bestselling book, Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond, Dr. Arau believes in the power of gratitude

and joy to make meaningful, transformative change from within. Drawing on his 29 years as a conductor, music educator, leadership expert, and professor, Matthew empowers educators to create inner harmony and rekindle their inner spark through focusing on well-being, purpose, and mindset.

 

Additionally, Dr. Arau is an Associate Professor of Music and the Chair of the Music Education Department and the Symphonic Band Conductor at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin and the Leadership Editor for GIA Publications. Dr. Arau has guest conducted, led professional development, and presented clinics on leadership, mindfulness, wellness, growth mindset, rehearsal techniques, and creating positive cultures in 40 states and 4 continents in person. Thousands of educators and high school students have attended his Upbeat! Leadership Workshops across the United States to develop their leadership skills and reach for their fullest potential. In addition to being in demand as a keynote speaker, presenter, consultant, and professional

development facilitator, Dr. Arau has conducted honor bands in Australia, Thailand, Greece, Cyprus, and Malaysia, and All-State honor bands across the United States.

 

Dr. Arau draws on a deep reservoir of fifteen years of experience as a successful middle school and high school band director in Loveland, Colorado, where he led his bands at Walt Clark Middle School and Loveland High School to numerous honor performances and championships and pioneered the Leadership Symposium. He lives with his wife Merilee in Neenah, Wisconsin accompanied by their sugar glider, Flash, and two Dachshunds, Savannah and Eli. Learn more about Dr. Arau at www.upbeatglobal.com.