Matthew M. Shea

Director Navy Band Northeast

Lt., U.S. Navy

Biography

Lt. Matthew Shea is a native of Ellington, Connecticut. He enlisted in the Navy in 2004 and has served as trumpet instrumentalist for the U.S. Naval Academy Band and U.S. Fleet Forces Band, and as an instructor at the Naval School of Music. He received his commission in 2016. As a Limited Duty Officer, he served tours as assistant fleet bandmaster for U.S. Fleet Forces and for U.S. Pacific Fleet prior to arriving at the U.S. Naval War College in July of 2020. He currently serves as director for Navy Band Northeast. Lt. Shea holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in jazz performance from the University of North Texas.

Contact Information

(401) 841-4127

Matthew.Shea@usnwc.edu

841-4127

Areas of Expertise

International Relations

Professional Highlights

2019

Assistant Fleet Bandmaster, USPACFLT

Leading the band for Pacific Partnership 2019 and as a planner for Pacific Partnership 2020 were both fantastic experience. I learned a lot while partnering with our military counterparts in the region and leading foreign nationals within the band while also making life-long friendships.

2018

Assistant Fleet Bandmaster, USFF

Leading a band as an OIC on deployment for Continuing Promise was incredibly challenging and rewarding. I had a huge amount of independence as a leader and learned from the many roadblocks we had to get past. Seeing the impact the band had on the population in Central America was also amazing.

2015

Instructor, Naval School of Music

As the Ear Training Instructor for intermediate and advanced course students, I had the opportunity to teach in an area I always considered a personal weakness. My processes overcoming my issues were critical to helping countless members of our community get past their own challenges.

2004

U.S. Naval Academy Band

As a working and touring musician my whole adult life, my first rehearsal with a Navy band was life-changing. The artistry of my colleagues amazed me, and I knew I had the best job in the world. I still feel that same passion today every time I stand in front of the band and it makes me happy.

Education

M.M., University of North Texas, 2001

B.A., University of North Texas, 1996, Music

Awards and Decorations

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Four Awards

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

External Memberships and Associations

Navy Musicians Association

Material and external links contained herein are made available for the purpose of peer review and discussion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval War College, Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.