B.Mus (Humber College)
A recent graduate of Humber College, Matt has quickly established himself as a respected performer in the city’s music scene. While at Humber, Matt had the opportunity to study with some of Canada’s finest jazz and commercial musicians; Brian O’Kane, Alistar Kay, Shelly Berger and Andy Ballantyne, to name a few.
As an active member in the freelance community, Matt’s playing has taken him to such venues as Roy Thompson Hall, The Rex Hotel and the Jazz Bistro. You can find him leading his own trio in intimate venues around the city, or playing with many different jazz, funk or brass bands around the GTA and other Southern Ontario areas.
Get to know Matt…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: Cooking, golf, & coffee making
Musical influences: Clifford Brown, Leroy Jones, Clark Terry, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago
Favourite food: Fish burrito
Least favourite food: My mom’s rice – although, everything else she makes is excellent.
Favourite music: Jazz
Favourite song: It’s Always You
Favourite movie: Spirited Away
Favourite movie music: Indiana Jones Theme
Favourite musical theatre/opera: West Side Story
Best quote from your teacher: “BLOW!” – Alistar Kay
Favourite quote: “They teach you there’s a boundary line to music. But, man, there’s no boundary line to art.” – Charlie Parker
Favourite book: Last Wish – Andrzej Sapkowski
Best thing about teaching at ABC: Sharing my passion for music with youth
Latest Homework from Matt
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Homework for Oct 7th
These are the exercises that will make you better at playing trumpet:
Lead pipe buzzing – play around with pitch, dynamics and tongue. Lip slurs: Start on low C and just use the air & face to slur to G. Try for the C above that as well. Continue this exercise down a semi tone each time. Long Tones: we haven’t talked about these yet but they’re pretty straight forward. Start on low C and hold for a full breath. Continue to do this, while expanding chromatically from each direction (sorry for sounding so fancy). For example, you will play C for a full breath, then B, then C#, Bb, D, etc…. These will make every part of the horn feel comfortable & efficient!!!
Try to do 15/ 20 mins of these exercises collectively.
Exercises for musicality:
Major Scales: Nice job learning Bb and D Major! Two more for next lesson please :) Play them slurred & tongued, and for fun, try them in 3rds. (C,E,D,F,E,G, Etc…) Be very conscious of what notes you are playing!!! This will help you with your reading skills as well. Ear Training: Attempt to learn some more songs you like by ear. You have very strong ears and if you develop them they will be a great asset. Use logic & your ear to decipher what is being played. For an extra challenge, Try to play Happy Birthday in another key. Scales are just specific arrangements of notes… and so are melodies. Therefore they can also be played in every key! Duets: I attached the link to the sheet music and tpt 2 parts for 3 duets. These will be great for your playing!!! Try to have one ready to preform for our next lesson.
Do these until they feel comfortable. Take as long as you need. Remember! This is FUN!! :)
Duet Videos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aP1pV1pKKRvAaKESa5yJDHbUydOslQqy?usp=sharing
Sheet music:
Preferred Books for Matt’s Students
Click to buy them here, and they’ll come right to your house! What could be easier?
Technical Studies
This work has been especially written to enable the cornet student to conquer any technical difficulties he or she might encounter in the literature for the instrument. By carefully following the instructions in this book, the student will build up strength and endurance without strain or injury to his embouchure. If this lips remain flexible and the tone is not forced, it will be possible to play easily any note, regardless of the register.
Arban Complete Conservatory Method
The New Authentic Edition of Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method contains the same tried and true comprehensive system of study that Arban developed over a century ago, and this completely re-engraved edition has been painstakingly edited by prominent trumpet performers and teachers Thomas Hooten and Jennifer Marotta, adding some of their own insights with respect to how trumpet is taught today. The Arban Complete Conservatory Method is the definitive must-have for all trumpet players.
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COMING SOON
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COMING SOON
