Grammy-Winning Musician Joins Augustana University as Artist-in-Residence

Matthew Whitaker, a 24-year-old piano prodigy, brings his Grammy-winning talents to the school's music program.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Matthew Whitaker, a 24-year-old Grammy-winning musician, has joined Augustana University's School of Music as the inaugural artist-in-residence. Whitaker, who was born blind, started playing piano at age 3 and has gone on to graduate from Juilliard and perform around the world. He recently won a Grammy for Best Arrangement in the instrumental category for his work with The 8-Bit Big Band.

Why it matters

Whitaker's appointment as artist-in-residence at Augustana University provides students with a unique opportunity to learn from a world-class musician and Grammy award winner. His mastery of the piano and diverse musical talents, including jazz and video game-inspired arrangements, will undoubtedly inspire and elevate the school's music program.

The details

Whitaker first connected with Augustana University through his endorsement with Yamaha, and he played at the 2024 Jazz on the Upper Great Plains festival. From there, the university's former dean of the music school, Peter Folliard, invited Whitaker to join as the inaugural artist-in-residence. In this role, Whitaker will teach collegiate-level piano and share his expertise with students.

  • Whitaker started playing piano at age 3.
  • By age 5, he was taking classical piano lessons.
  • At age 7, he got into jazz music.
  • By age 10, Whitaker started touring.
  • Whitaker won a Grammy earlier this month for Best Arrangement in the instrumental category.

The players

Matthew Whitaker

A 24-year-old Grammy-winning musician who was born blind and started playing piano at age 3. He has gone on to graduate from Juilliard and perform around the world.

Peter Folliard

The former dean of the music school at Augustana University, who invited Whitaker to join as the inaugural artist-in-residence.

Adam Brachman

A sophomore at Augustana University who is studying under Whitaker and says he is "more than a piano teacher" and shows students "what it's like to have complete mastery over the piano and being able to feel the music."

The 8-Bit Big Band

The musical group that Whitaker collaborated with on the Grammy-winning arrangement of a gospel-style medley featuring songs from Super Mario.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When I was 7, I got into jazz. My dad played it on the radio and ever since then it's been my favorite genre.”

— Matthew Whitaker (sfsimplified.com)

“He's more than a piano teacher. He shows us what it's like to have complete mastery over the piano and being able to feel the music.”

— Adam Brachman, Sophomore, Augustana University (sfsimplified.com)

“Everyone knows that melody.”

— Matthew Whitaker (sfsimplified.com)

“I still can't believe it.”

— Matthew Whitaker (sfsimplified.com)

“For the rest of my life I can say I've been taught by a Grammy-winning musician.”

— Adam Brachman, Sophomore, Augustana University (sfsimplified.com)

What’s next

Whitaker plans to continue teaching at Augustana University while also maintaining his busy performance schedule, including an upcoming tour during the school's summer break.

The takeaway

Matthew Whitaker's appointment as artist-in-residence at Augustana University represents a unique opportunity for students to learn from a world-class musician and Grammy award winner. His mastery of the piano and diverse musical talents will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of musicians and elevate the school's music program.