Dr. Simpson earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, where he was a four-time award winner of the Program in Music Award. He then earned a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Duquesne University, studying with Charles Lirette, George Vosburgh, and Sean Jones. Dr. Simpson then completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester. While in residency at Eastman, Dr. Simpson was awarded the prestigious Donald J. Shetler Prize, awarded to an outstanding doctoral student in music education.
Prior to his work in higher education, Dr. Simpson taught instrumental and general music to students in grades 4–7 in the Punxsutawney Area School District in Punxsutawney, PA. While at Punxsutawney, Dr. Simpson was nominated multiple times for the PMEA Outstanding Young Educator Award and the Grammy Music Educator Award. Additionally, Dr. Simpson served as an Adjunct Professor and Director of Athletic Bands at Duquesne University. His athletic bands frequently performed on a national level, including ESPN features during the NCAA March Madness tournaments.
Dr. Simpson’s research interests include teacher musicianship, teacher preparation, instrumental methods, curriculum, assessment, and music teacher identity. His research has been published in Update: Applications of Research in Music Education. Dr. Simpson maintains an active schedule presenting at local, state, national, and international conference venues, including conferences for the International Society for Music Education, New York State Schools of Music Association, Society for Music Teacher Educators, and the West Virginia Music Educators Association.