Meet Concordia Nebraska’s Matthew Jahnke, adjunct professor of music

Matthew Jahnke serves Concordia University, Nebraska teaching double bass and bass guitar lessons. He also teaches the university’s string techniques course. This is his first year serving at the university. 

“My favorite thing about working at Concordia Nebraska is the students! They are eager to learn all they can and fulfill their God-given vocations. Their passion is evident, and it emboldens me to strive my hardest!” he said. “Having the opportunity to work at Concordia is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I have always had a desire to be involved in Lutheran education. As God's people, we have a calling to serve the world in all of our vocations, whether they be outdoors or indoors. The fact that I get to serve my neighbor while being in a community like Concordia helps me to see the larger perspective of how God interlinks us to strangers and the world at large.” 

“The fact that I get to serve my neighbor while being in a community like Concordia helps me to see the larger perspective of how God interlinks us to strangers and the world at large.”

In addition to teaching at Concordia Nebraska, he is double bass instructor at Lutheran Summer Music, the nation's premier faith-based summer music academy and festival. He has a bachelor of music degree in double bass performance and music education from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music. He subsequently taught orchestra at Cheney Middle School in West Fargo, North Dakota, where he inspired young musicians and fostered a love for music. 

Jahnke has performed with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, the Fargo-Moorhead Ballet and the Fargo-Moorhead Opera. In addition to his ensemble work, he is a passionate private lesson instructor, dedicated to guiding students on their journey with the double bass. 

He has three brothers and sisters-in-law who are parents to his four nephews and three nieces, and he likes to spend time with family as often as possible. An avid baseball and football fanatic, he enjoys weightlifting and has coached strength and conditioning programs at the middle and high school levels. He has also taught various high school Bible studies and chaperoned district youth gathering for his congregation. He also enjoys researching Felix Mendelssohn's music, life and personal beliefs.  

Concordia University, Nebraska’s music programs offer students rigorous preparation to glorify God in their future vocations through the study and performance of music. Through applied lessons, participation in one of the university’s outstanding ensembles or academic music pursuits, hundreds of students of any major can make great music and lifelong friendships at Concordia.