Background, professional training and performance history
Matt began studying piano at age six and has been singing since he was born. Having performed in numerous musical ensembles as a singer, pianist, and also as a trumpeter, Matt began his undergraduate studies in Voice Performance and Sacred Music at East Carolina University in 2001. In 2008, he began attending Westminster Choir College to obtain a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance and Pedagogy. Since 2008, Matt has performed numerous times as a singer with the New York Philharmonic, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Staatsoper, the Grand Tour Orchestra, and the American Classical Orchestra. He has also performed roles and chorus work with Opera New Jersey, Coro Lirico, and Cantori NYC. Matt has performed on three recordings, two of which are on the Gothic classical label. Aside from working as a professional singer, Matt has been teaching private voice and piano lessons since 2005 and working as a choral conductor since 2003. Matt is also involved with the Royal School of Church Music in America, the American Choral Directors Association, the American Guild of Organists, and Anglican Musicians. Since moving to Eugene, Matt has started working with several composers on the world premieres and promotion of contemporary classical music.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve ever learned during my growth as a musician is that it is ok to make mistakes. It’s only through our mistakes that we learn how to fix problems, grow, and make our art, our lives, or anything for that matter, something better. I believe people should enjoy music making and that lessons, while definitely an environment for learning, are a place where people can experience the sheer joy of music regardless of skill level. Students should feel that they are able to completely trust their teacher and truly be themselves. In this setting, whether the goal is to be a classically trained opera star or just to sing show tunes or pop songs for the fun of it, people will thrive.”
Instruments & classes taught
Matt teaches voice and beginning piano