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BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Composition/Piano
I'm a fun, energetic teacher who enjoys helping students find their inner passion for music. In 2012, I graduated from UNC - Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Mathematics. While studying composition under Dr. Allen Anderson, I premiered and recorded pieces for brass trio, wind quintet, percussion ensemble, and soprano with piano accompaniment. In college, I also had the opportunity to tour with the UNC Men's Glee Club across the country as a soloist. Working with all kinds of musicians - performers, conductors, composers, teachers - has helped me understand what a collaborative and rewarding experience making music can be.
Since beginning piano lessons myself when I was seven, I have been sharing my love of music with everyone all around me. I've been teaching lessons formally for the two years since I left college, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working with new students is always such a humbling experience, because it challenges me as a teacher to approach old problems with a fresh perspective. No two students are identical, so neither should their education. If one student loves performance and another one likes ear training, I like to cater their lessons according to their strengths. As soon as possible, I like getting students prepared for recitals, either by learning solo repertoire or composing their own pieces to premier. I'm currently accepting new students of all ages.
When working with younger students, my approach is twofold. First, I like to work with Alfred's Basic Series to establish a solid goundwork for reading music and mastering technique. Second, I like to cater the lessons to the student's particular interest, whether preparing solo pieces, practicing theory through ear training and sight reading, or writing compositions. For adults, I like working together to determine the student's goals to keep music-making challenging and engaging.
What drives my passion for teaching is the collaborative atmosphere and those "a-ha!" moments when a lightbulb goes off. Learning is all about the act of discovery, and I facilitate students in finding their natural love of music. I challenge students to approach problems from all angles to help them understand music on a deeper level. Recognizing and rewarding every small improvement helps the student gain confidence, which in the long run makes for better musicianship.
From my perspective, Matt's greatest strongpoint is that he relates really well to kids. When I am unsuccessful at getting my 5 yr old daughter over to piano for her lesson, Matt starts up a conversation with her and in no time has her at the piano. He is also very patient, enthusiastic, and encourages her a lot.
He is friendly and helps my kids to be more interested in piano.
Very good with our son. Very patient.
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