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 May 12th
Abi:
Try to work on some mouthpiece exercises we did this week. Different pitches, volume and tonging all over the mouthpiece will allow for maximum comfortability on the horn. This is also a good time to really be aware of your breath. Check that you’re taking a full breath and filling from the bottom up & support with your diaphragm and ab muscles when playing.
Try to do the two octave G scale as much as possible this week. This is an exercise that will help you see results pretty quickly. Engage the corners of your mouth and crescendo to the top of the scale to help out the higher pitches. Take your time with this one and only add notes on top when you feel really solid with everything beneath it. Try to get all the way to the top in one breath, maybe even try to extend up to a high B.
Etude in D is coming together nicely. Start to be aware of little details that add musicality. Added dynamics, articulation, playing with the time, etc. This one could use a little more attention this week but I think it would be to your benefit to spend more time on Etude in C. If you could get the first 12 bars together for next week that would be great.
Matt:
Everything is coming together really nicely for the RCM exam. The ear training was going well this week, it’s definitely one of the harder skills to practice by yourself so its great that you’re picking up on it so quickly.
I’ll add the link to the RCM syllabus so you’ll be able to go over everything needed for the exam.
https://files.rcmusic.com/sites/default/files/files/S39_TrumpetSyl_RCM_2016_online_SECURED.pdf
I think the only things that need more work on there are the mouthpiece studies, the chromatic scale, and some sight reading. We’ll be able to cover a lot of that next week and the following weeks so everything will be in great shape.
Homework for April 25th
It was nice to work on some new exercises with you! I hope you throw them into your practice sessions.
Major scales into pedal register: This is one my favourites for warming up. Great for your air, chops and mind. The F and E sounded much more centred in this lesson, it seems like you’re opening up more and able to hear them better, keep that up and try for Eb and D for next week. If you’re struggling, do the three valve down technique and slowly change the fingerings to the proper one.
Low G extensions: This exercise might be the key to getting everything working better for you; It’s a serious workout. Getting up to the E/G comfortably is already a huge step. If you do this a couple times a day in no time you’ll be comfy until the A or even a B. Just like every other exercise, the breath is your friend in this one; it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on taking a full supported breath before you play. Keep it at a controlled mp or mf throughout the scale, and crescendo to the top of the scale. Hold the top note until the end of your breath to ensure core engagement.
Power ride: You can break this one into small exercises as we did or you can just power through it. I think sitting down and spending 30 mins on it would do a ton of good. Be aware of those large intervals between bars. Take your time and be sure to play everything beautifully.
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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