MATT MCFARLAND

Styles
Classical, Jazz, Latin/Salsa, Blues, Country, Folk, Pop, Composition, and Midi Sequencing.

Bio
Matt has performed with local musical groups for the past 8 years. Currently he is playing the John Skinner Big Band and Combos, and is a regular with Jazz vocalist, Vivian Lee. When Matt is not busy playing with these groups, he is practicing his Jazz patterns and voicings, Refining his classical repertoire and perfecting his Latin montunos for the C.S.U.S. Latin Jazz Ensemble. Matt is also an avid composer and co-recipient of the 2002 Festival of New American Music, best student composition. He has studied extensively with local pianists and composers: Joe Gillman, Aaron Garner, Theresa Keene, Lorna Peters and Steve Blumberg. Matt has an A.A. in keyboard and Jazz studies from A.R.C. and a B.M. in Keyboard Performance and Composition from C.S.U.S.

Method
Matt believes that in addition to reading and interpreting written music it is equally important to be able to improvise and play by ear. Not only does his method include learning how to read and interpret, it also includes teaching important theoretical concepts, so that one can become a better performer, composer and improviser. Kinesthetic awareness is also very important; it is focused on to develop a good sound and a good technique. Most importantly, Matt believes that all of our music is already inside of us and would like to work and collaborate with the primary interests of the student’s immediate and long-term goals, creating a relaxed environment for learning and growth.