Matthew D
4.7
(10)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Latin, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde
Matthew D
4.7
(10)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Latin, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 4-80
BM, McGill University (Montreal), Performance (Jazz Drumset) 2011
2013 - Co-Grand Prize Winner John Lennon Songwriting Competition (Folk Category)
2012 - "Green Mountain State" (cowriter) featured in "Take This Waltz" - feature film starring Seth Rogan, Sara Silverman, Michelle Williams
2011 - Performance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival
2011 - Performance at the Toronto International Film Festival
I am a versatile and engaging musician with 14 years of experience performing and composing in a wide variety of genres: Jazz, rock, hip-hop, folk, classical, electronic, electroacoustic, avant garde, ambient, soul, punk, etc. This is a resource that has proven to be invaluable in teaching students with a wide range of interest to help them develop both in technique and in finding their own voice on their instrument. In the past 7 years I have completed a Bachelor's Degree at McGill University in Montreal (Performance Jazz Drums), have performed at international festivals in Toronto and Montreal, have toured with various projects, scored two short films, and composed and produced two albums of my original music. *Note: I teach drums at all skill levels - piano and guitar from novice - intermediate.
I gained my teaching experience over the last 3 years in a variety of settings. For the 2011-2012 school year I was a Music Project Coordinator at a high school in Montreal, where I gave private lessons (drums, guitar, piano), coached bands, assisted students and ran rehearsals in ensemble classes, and co-organized the school's winter and fall concerts. Since moving to Detroit in 2012 I have been teaching private lessons to students of all ages in studios and in students' homes, and as a substitute teacher have led ensemble rehearsals at all grade levels. My diverse teaching experience has made me very sensitive to the different needs and interests that students bring to the table. To watch students' musical growth both on a broad scale and in small increments - the excitement of finally executing an exercise, piece, or idea that they have been working through, for instance - is something that brings me great joy and inspires me to motivate them to develop further still.
On every instrument that I teach I place great importance on fundamentals, especially developing a deep sense of rhythm. Whether a novice student is learning basic concepts for the first time or an advanced student is maintaining their musical foundation, a short routine of very simple warmups is essential and is also a beautiful way to connect to the instrument every time we sit down to it.For young beginners on piano and guitar I start with the Faber Piano Adventure series and the FJH Young Beginners series - for young drum students I use Alfred's beginners drum set book. For older students my approach will depend on the interest of the student and will draw on a variety of books/pieces/hand written exercises and ideas. I will often work with more advanced students to help them develop their own exercises when they have a problem they want to address - it is very valuable to learn to teach yourself your instrument as well!
To me it is very important to balance the technical and creative aspects of development. No matter what age/skill level I split time during lessons into activities that develop technique and language, and compositional, creative activities that help each student explore their instrument and what they have to say with it. This balance can be altered depending on the interests of the student or parent. I also encourage students to bring in songs that they want to learn/play along with to keep the lessons relevant to their musical interests. Learning to pick things up by ear is a great skill to develop!
Frankie Andreu
Very understanding and willing to go with the student's speed. Great
Jessica Damico
Matthew is a wonderful teacher. He is patient, engaging, and takes into account every students individual needs and strengths. He also is very flexible with lesson times. He has my highest recommendation.
Janine Jenerettesheffey
He is very good with instructing children.
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