Jeff Kidder

St. Matt’s Sunday Night Music Director since 2011, Jeff’s vision and passion is to be a worship leader who builds community and trains/mentors leaders. His music ministry at St. Matt's (and as Music Director at Messiah Episcopal in St. Paul since 1991) strives to include a rich musical tapestry that includes liturgical music, historic hymnody as well as the best of contemporary and world music styles, to engage congregations in worship marked by depth, balance and engaged participation. He had formative musical education and performance experiences at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, especially in the Augsburg Choir under the direction of Lee Sateren and Larry Fleming. He completed his B.A. at Metro State University in St. Paul with a focus on Music and Community Development. He performs in choirs, ensembles, as a guitarist & vocal soloist and also teaches private guitar lessons. He occasionally serves as a guest church musician/clinician in other churches, sharing resources and encouragement for their work in crafting authentic, meaningful worship that honors God, their church’s history and traditions, and engages people in their current cultural setting. Jeff enjoys bicycling, walking/hiking, watching soccer and other sports and spending time with family, especially his three grandchildren.