Renowned for his innovative contributions to jazz education, Richard Matteson was an American trombonist, composer, and arranger active primarily in the mid-to-late 20th century. He significantly influenced jazz pedagogy through his prolific writings and teaching at the University of North Texas, where he established a highly respected jazz studies program. His compositions and arrangements are celebrated for their sophisticated harmonies and challenging yet rewarding structures, leaving a lasting impact on generations of jazz musicians.