Matthew Y
Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Synthesizer, Ukulele, Music, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, Musical Theater, Funk, Electronic, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova
Matthew Y
Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Synthesizer, Ukulele, Music, Keyboard, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, Folk, Musical Theater, Funk, Electronic, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Doctoral Degree: University of Northern Colorado (In Progress)
Master Degree: North Carolina Central University
Bachelor Degree: Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
2018 - Yusuf Salim Excellence in Music Award at North Carolina Central University
I'm a patient and motivated music instructor who loves working with anyone sharing a passion for learning more about music and their instrument. In 2017, I graduated from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a minor in the Music Industry and in 2019, I graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Master of Music in Jazz Studies with an emphasis in Composition. I am currently enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado for a Doctor of Arts in Saxophone Performance with an emphasis in Jazz Pedagogy.
I have performed in such venues as The Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, The Texas Jazz Festival, the JEN Conference in Dallas, Texas, and the New Orleans Reggae Festival. I have also had the privilege to perform all over the country in states such as; Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Hawaii, Maryland, and Colorado. I have had the opportunity to share the stage with Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Bill Watrous, Dr. Ira Wiggins, James "Saxmo" Gates, Brian Miller, Nnenna Freelon, Lenora Hammonds, Tito Puente Jr., and Butch Miles in various university ensembles.
I have over five years of teaching experience and specialize in Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute lessons. I also teach advanced music theory and composition as well as beginning level piano, acoustic guitar and ukulele. I have taught all types of students from age ranges of four to seventy years of age and taught lessons to students unable to speak English as well as students with disabilities. I have the most experience teaching jazz and classical music, however I also enjoy teaching pop, rock, blues, funk, folk and musicals.
I believe in a strong foundation for beginning students and I make sure that is the first part of every lesson, the same way an athlete exercises to stay in shape, a musician must also maintain the facility on their instrument. After fundamentals have been addressed the student moves to solo repertoire, one piece picked by the student, then one picked by me. Lessons typically end with either a game, improvisational practice, or questions regarding assignments or lessons. I do encourage my students to come back with prepared assignments given in the previous lesson completed to give more time during our lesson to make music!
I work closely with students, parents and other teachers to ensure that each lesson is tailored to meet specific needs of the student. I understand that everyone has different learning capabilities and finding all of the different ways to teach my students is part of the fun in teaching. Everyone learns at their own pace and with so many more genres of music than ever before, people are developing different tastes in music as well. I encourage my students to learn the songs they want to learn and to most importantly have fun!
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.