Trumpet with Matthew R.

I'm a multi-instrumentalist and composer with two degrees earned concurrently from Indiana University--one a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Arts and Sciences, the other a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the internationally renowned Jacobs School of Music. Upon arriving in Chicago, I have taken on a role as the Director of Music at Marquette Park, where I serve as something between an artist-in-residence and a band director. On occasion, I travel out to New York City to take part in the BMI Jazz Composers' Workshop. My instrumental ability has allowed me to take professional tours both nationally and internationally as a sideman (Durand Jones and the Indications, Indiana Jazz Exchange), and my writing for large ensemble has been featured by multiple groups (Sean Imboden Large Ensemble, Liberation Music Collective, BMI Jazz Composer's Orchestra). My acumen as an instructor and music director has allowed me to become the Director of Music at Marquette Park on Chicago's South Side, providing city-subsidized instruction to a largely under-served population. I'm very passionate about helping people realize their own internal goals, no matter how far off those goals may seem. I already feel we can work together to help you achieve them, and we haven't even met yet! My mix of academic training, professional experience, and natural affability make the learning experience easy, stress-free and fun. I can teach you how to: 1) play trumpet 2) play trombone 3) play drums 4) understand and internalize music theory 5) improvise, from absolute beginner-level to professional-tier tips and tricks 6) write music for all sizes of ensembles (solo singer-songwriter to 18-piece big band) Styles I've got professional experience playing: rock, funk, soul, R&B, jazz (combo), jazz (big band), and classical. Let's learn together!