About Matthew K.
I have been playing professionally for over 30 years and have taught for over 10. I am proficient on keyboards, guitar, bass, ukelele, as well as lead and harmony vocals and songwriting. My focus is on developing your musical intuition through ear training, and accessing the music within. I have a home recording studio to help with the learning process. I provide a fun, safe, non-critical environment where you can access your inner musician in the most enjoyable way possible.
Many of my students have gone onto become prolific songwriters and musicians and have recorded albums. Even beginners can learn quickly from my method which emphasizes techniques for keeping learning music fun.
My 10th CD was released last year on Sojourn Records and was featured as NPR song of the day. Over the years my music has received much critical acclaim as I have continued to tour the world. I have opened for legends such as David Bowie, Ron Sexsmith, Robyn Hitchcock, Morphine, Bob Mould, Freedy Johnston, among many others. I have produced over a dozen albums by other artists and songwriters, and composed for major motion pictures including last years film, WON’T BACK DOWN starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
“In a career spanning more than 20 years, he has established himself as one of America's great under-the-radar songwriters. Had he emerged five decades back, he might have been a Tin Pan Alley stalwart, turning out intelligent, accessible songwriting with the clockwork genius of and Gary Goffin. His work is rife with the clever, incisive tunefulness that marked that era.”-- National Public Radio
*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect to discover or re-discover their love for music and and their own natural musical inclinations. Many students report an increased sense of joy and possibility in their own lives. Curriculum depends on level of student, but is focused on being able to play favorite songs, develop comfort and ease in playing style, and accessing creativity and originality in approach. After 3 to 6 months working with me, most students can feel comfortable calling themselves a musician!
*** Specialties ***
I teach mainly guitar, keyboards, ukelele, and voice from beginning up to intermediate. I try to incorporate songwriting into the process as i find that it speeds up the process and helps to encourage enthusiasm and a more focused effort and better results. I am fluent in most styles but come from a folk, rock, country, pop background. I also have a home studio and use recording techniques to develop style and vocal ability.
Reviews
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Teacher's Studio
I had a one off single lesson with Matthew, I was only in New York for a couple days and was lucky enough to get a sing writing session with him. He gave some great insight and valid techniques towards song writing. He was easy going and very friendly. Would certainly recommend.
Teacher's Studio
Matt is an awesome instructor. Unlike a traditional guitar teacher, Matt understands what his students want to play, making lessons much more interesting and making practicing much easier. I've had a few lessons with Matt and have learned more in those lessons that I could have ever learned by myself. Highly recommend.
Teacher's Studio
Just had my first piano lesson with Matthew today. He is a truly great artist and instructor who will teach you not just about the playing technique but about the music theory/history behind it. Would definitely recommend!
Teacher's Studio
The instant I sat down with Matt I knew I was in the presence of a true musical professional. He is passionate about what he does and that shines through in his teaching style. Looking forward to many more lessons.
Teacher's Studio
I came into the lesson with very little knowledge about guitar. Matt provided a simple road map for progress, and was patient through the drills. Within thirty minutes, I started seeing improvement. I very much look forward to my next lesson to see what the next steps will be - highly recommend.
Teacher's Studio
Matthew was great! Cares about what students goals are.
Teacher's Studio
Have learned a lot ! Started learning my favorite song too. He takes things slower if needed and let’s you decide the pace of the course. I feel like I have gained so much on just 5 classes
Teacher's Studio
Had my first lesson with Matthew last night. He was great - quickly figured out my skill level, and came up with some songs that fit me well. They were easy enough that I can learn them, but with some challenging parts to make it fun. The pace of the lesson was great; we mixed teaching with playing, and he even threw in some intro music theory tidbits to help me understand better what I was doing. I left motivated to practice, and I'm looking forward to my next lesson.
Teacher's Studio
The first lesson was excellent! Matthew makes learning the guitar very enjoyable and uncomplicated.
Teacher's Studio
Matt has gotten me to do something no other piano teacher in the past has-stick with piano! A few months in I can say he is the best teacher I have had, very talented and I have been very happy with my progress. Would recommend Matt to anybody looking to learn piano, or any other instrument.
Student's Home
Matt is an awesome teacher. He quickly assessed my skill level and met me there with new song covers, new strum patterns, and finger picking tutorials. As an intermediate ukulele-ist who's beginning to explore songwriting, I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with Matt. He encourages me to share my work, and jams along, opening up rhythmic and harmonic possibilities I wouldn't think of on my own. In home recording technology is also a huge perk!
Very fun teacher, highly recommended!
Teacher's Studio
Matt is a great teacher and super talented musician! I really enjoy learning from a musician that plays multiple instruments. His teaching method is innovative and fun yet easy to understand. I've taken 2 lessons from him so far and already felt more confident. He is encouraging and can't wait to learn more from him!
Teacher's Studio
Excellent instructor. He explained music theory in a way I could understand.
He gave me exercises I could practice at home.
Student's Home
very knowledgable, yet relaxed-,he gave me the right amount to practice so I did not feel over whelmed
Student's Home
Cool cool
Teacher's Studio
Matt has a wonderful ability to to understand my needs as a beginning harmonica student. We had an email exchange prior to the lesson which allowed me to describe my goals and music experience so our first lesson was very focused and productive. Matt is very skilled at structuring the lesson so that it matched my learning style and I was able to make progress very quickly. I came away learning so much about how to play harmonica that I now have the tools to continue on my own. Matt is a wonderful teacher-friendly, up-beat, enthusiastic and a great motivator.
Student's Home
Excellent!
Student's Home
very skilled, upbeat-good grasp of my needs
Teacher's Studio
Fantastic instructor. I've taken other lessons and when you're learning from Matt you can tell that you're learning from a musician. He's unbelievably talented and is able to transfer that ability to his instruction. You learn things on the guitar that only a musician can teach you...things you wouldn't learn anywhere else.
Student's Home
Matthew is a great combination of skilled instructor and cool dude! Even with a beginner the lessons feel like fun jam sessions with him. He knows how to get you playing right away and sneaks some theory in before you know it ;-)
Student's Home
I am so glad that I decided to take ukulele lessons with Matt! He always makes lessons fun and informative. By the second lesson we were jammin' together! Matt took great care to tailor the lessons to my learning style and beginner level.
I would highly recommend Matt to anyone looking to learn an instrument.
Teacher's Studio
Matt was great. Good knowledge and friendly guy. I've definitely improved fairly dramatically from 5 lessons. I went for a specific technique and Matt helped me accomplish my goal.
Teacher's Studio
Savannah was very happy with her lessons. She learned new techniques and the proper sized instruments.
Teacher's Studio
Savannah was very happy with her lessons. She learned new techniques and the proper sized instruments.
It was a musical experiance, not a boring lesson
His goal was to make it a fun experience while simultaneously practicing and learning about music theory. He had us making original songs on the second day.
great inspiration
Matthew is a great teacher. He listened to my specific needs and ways of thinking. He molded our lessons around my beginner ways and helped me learn and grow in a personal way.
I now feel confident in moving forward with my Ukelele playing and learning new songs.
Affiliations
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
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