Daily Inspiration: Meet Matthew Duncan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Duncan.

Hi Matthew, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a classically trained vocalist and full-time wedding DJ/musician based in Michigan, but my path here has been anything but linear. After high school in 2006, I took a bit of time to map out my life’s path and during that time I discovered a love for singing through private voice lessons. That passion led me to study vocal performance at the University of Michigan-Flint in 2009. I absolutely loved it, but life had other plans.

My family lost our home during the housing crash shortly after my father’s business collapsed. I left school to help my father restart from scratch. I took on any singing gigs I could, my fondest being at Lelli’s of Auburn Hills singing Italian ballads & jazz standards every Friday & Saturday night. Then in 2013, everything changed—my dad was in a devastating car accident that left him permanently disabled. He passed away nearly two years after. In that time, we lost our second home, we cared for my father daily at a rehab facility, and I stepped into my dad’s business full-time. Losing him, losing our second home, and watching everything we had fall apart was crushing. It felt like my dreams were slipping away. But in the wreckage, I met the woman who became my wife, Joslyn. She brought light into the darkest season of my life.

Joslyn was a wedding photographer and she taught me how to second-shoot for her on the weekends. Dabbling in the wedding industry sparked something in me, but I didn’t quite know what… until… In 2018, I was asked to DJ a wedding for our close friends, Melissa & Jeremy. I borrowed gear from our church, learned on the fly, and discovered a joy I hadn’t felt in years. That night changed everything. I dove deep—shadowing professionals, refining my skills, investing in equipment — slowly building a business that felt like ME. By 2023, I went full-time. Today, I’m booked for over 60 events annually—mostly under my own brand, Matthew Duncan Music—and I finally feel like I’m living in my calling.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not smooth at all—but every bump has shaped me. Losing my family home, dropping out of college, and stepping into a my father’s shoes was overwhelming. My dad’s accident and eventual passing were traumatic, to say the least. There were years where I felt like I was just surviving.

Even after launching my business, there were hurdles. I started out with no roadmap—just heart, grit, and help from incredibly generous DJ-friends, like Bryan at Bee Entertainment. No matter the obstacle, I kept showing up—learning, growing, listening. And with every couple I served, I realized that my story, my scars, my background in music; all the loss and love—it all added depth to what I do.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I provide full-day DJ and live music services for weddings—receptions, ceremonies, everything. My approach is immersive and personal. I offer an elegant aesthetic, quality sound, stylish lighting design, optional live piano/vocal performance, and even a live saxophonist add-on whenever they’re available. But more than the services, what I really offer is heart.

What sets me apart is how deeply I care. I’m not just pushing buttons or playing songs—I’m creating moments that reflect my couples’ love stories. My classical music training and live performance background give me a unique toolbox that I use on and off the dance floor, but it’s the emotional weight I bring—the gratitude, the reverence, the joy—that resonates with people. I’ve lived through the wreckage. With God’s providence, I’ve fought my way through fire. I’ve made something beautiful out of it, and I bring that beauty to every wedding I serve.

What I’m most proud of is the transformation—not just of my business, but of myself. I get to create joy for people on one of the most important days of their lives. And that’s sacred work to me.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
If you’re looking to get into the wedding DJ business, the best thing you can do is start by learning from people who are doing it really well. Early on, I spent a lot of time studying DJs I looked up to—people like Nick Spinelli and Joe Bunn. Emulating their style and professionalism helped me build a foundation, and over time, I was able to shape that into something uniquely my own.

Another great way to grow is by shadowing other wedding vendors—not just DJs. Tag along with a photographer, planner, or even a caterer. Seeing a wedding from a different angle gives you a huge edge. You start to understand the flow of the day, what’s expected, and how all the moving pieces come together. It also builds a deep respect for your fellow vendors, and that mutual respect makes you a better teammate on the wedding day.

And finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to other DJs in your area. Ask for advice. Ask to shadow. Offer to help. You’d be surprised how many are willing to pour into you if you show genuine interest and a willingness to learn. The relationships you build can open doors you never expected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.matthewduncanmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewduncanmusic/