About Luke
Educational and Performance Experience
A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Luke began his journey with guitar in 2004. In his two decade-long playing career, Luke has had the privilege of being mentored by Iowa music legends like Chris Merz, Dr. Michael Conrad, Bob Dunn, Steve Grismore, Dr. Steve Shanley, David Crabbs, and John Albaugh.
Luke studied Instrumental Music Education at Coe College and graduated with his Bachelor's in 2017. While at Coe, Luke regularly performed with university ensembles including performances with world renowned jazz musicians like Matt Wilson and Marques Carroll. During his undergrad, Luke would also perform alongside Cedar Rapids' own Orchestra Iowa; cabaret artist, Amy Friedl Stoner; and in his own original indie-prog group, Duchess. Duchess was active in the late 2010s and featured performances with national acts like Icona Pop, Trapdoor Social, and Icarus the Owl. Duchess released their first independent album in 2017 entitled am i forgiven. which also featured an original music video for the single "Donuts," created by Juan Gomez III. It was in this group that Luke found his passion for writing original music. In Fall 2017, former Coe College Symphony Orchestra director, Dr. Michelle Blair, commissioned Luke to compose an original rock band + orchestra piece. The piece was premiered at Coe College in October 2017 and was entitled Into the Underworld.
After completing his Bachelor's degree, Luke became the Assistant Band Director at Waterloo West High School. Luke would stay at Waterloo West from 2017-2020 where he would teach 9th grade band, class guitar, and lead the jazz program.
In summer 2020, Luke took an assistantship with the University of Northern Iowa jazz department. During his time at UNI, Luke would participate in masterclasses and/or perform with renowned jazz musicians like Dave Douglas, Ryan Keberle, Jorge Roeder, Melissa Aldana, and John Beasley. Luke graduated with his Master of Music in Jazz Pedagogy in May 2022.
Currently, Luke serves on staff at the University of Northern Iowa and Wartburg College as adjunct instructor of guitar. At Wartburg, Luke leads a studio of 25+ guitarists and teaches coursework within the music therapy curriculum. At UNI, Luke gives private instruction on classical and jazz guitar. Luke previously taught at Luther College in Decorah, IA where he was an adjunct guitar, bass, and jazz studies instructor. Luke also serves on staff at multiple summer jazz camps including the Cedar Falls Summer Jazz Camp and the KCCK Middle School Jazz Camp.
Luke can be found playing regulary in pop-tribute guitar and saxophone duo, "Oops All Loops;" prog/jazz-fusion group "Lizard Head;" indie-prog rock band, "Duchess;" the Luke Sanders trio ft. Jeremiah de la Peña and Michael Gedden; The Des Moines Symphony; and many other jazz and jazz-adjacent groups.
For booking or lesson inquiries, Luke can be reached at: matthewluke.sanders@gmail.com