Gerard A. Matthews is a native of Chicago and a lifelong student and teacher of music. A graduate of Simeon Vocational High School and an alumnus of the Chicago All-City Band, he earned a full scholarship to Livingstone College, where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. During that time, he performed with the Salisbury/Rowan Symphony Orchestra on flute and piccolo, served as a two-time guest conductor, and was featured as a soloist.

In 1983, Gerard recorded with the internationally recognized group Smoke City on the CBS/Epic label, breaking into Billboard’s Top 100. His career since has spanned performances across Chicago, the United States, and abroad. He earned Illinois Teacher Certification (K–12) in 1993 and spent over 24 years in the Chicago Public Schools system as both an instrumental music instructor and the founding Principal Conductor of the Chicago All-City Elementary Concert Band, leading it for 14 years. Beyond the classroom, Gerard has directed the Soundmine Merchants Jazz/R&B big band since 2008 — a collective with roots in the 1960s — and performs with ensembles such as Noteworthy, the Chicago Teachers Jazz Band, and Michael Ross and the Boss 8.

His life has been shaped not only by music but also by resilience, faith, and service. Having benefited from scholarships, mentors, and second chances, Gerard views his work as a blueprint for giving back: returning blessings, telling hard truths, and refusing to let history’s injustices be buried.