Austin Music Lessons

don is a graduate student at the University of Texas in Austin where he is studying composition.

*** Lesson Details ***
As a teacher I find the most important thing is to make sure the student has fun making music. I realize that everyone is different and I try to cater to the needs of the individual while still making sure that there is advancement in technique and musicianship. It is also a goal of mine to make sure that every students learns to practice without having someone ask them to do it.

I believe it is important to have a strong foundation when playing music. If that foundation is there it is easier to have fun making music and far less likely for a student to fail. For beginners I generally start with basic technique and gradually shift into playing pieces. If a student has been playing for a while, I will find out where they are in their musical journey and take it from there. I also try to focus on developing musicianship and individuality. I can not stress how important it is to not only have fun but to practice. It takes a great deal of dedication and effort to become a good musician.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide some music and small things like the occasional rosin or valve oil. I can also help students find rental venues for instruments. I would expect the students to have their own instrument/s and material to properly take care of the instrument. I would also expect them to keep the music we are currently working on with them.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical music though I can teach popular music and basic improvisation. I try to focus on expression and technique with students.

as gone on to play with a long list of different ensembles across many state lines.

At age 19 he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and once there studied under virtuoso saxophonist Joshua Smith and master guitarist Andy Tran.

Kelly found a residency with a local San Jose group and did six months with The Craig Robinson Blues Band while he was gaining music students and slowly transitioning into a full-time music life. He also played with Lowfat an established Bay Area original dance band, was hired by the Darell Patrick Jazz Ensemble for private events and recorded for The Jake Makey Band before moving to Colorado in search of a higher chance of musical success paired with a lower cost of living.

In Fort Collins, CO Matthew sat in as a guest artist regularly with local jazz pianist Mark Sloniker at his residency at Jay's Bistro. Busking paid very well and helped keep the bills paid. Then Kelly could pursue playing 2 instruments in an original jam band The Hot Coal.

While in Fort Collins Kelly gave 6 months of guitar lessons to 2016 Scene Magazine coveree Elise Wunder to help her accomplish her performance goals. Today she travels the world playing her amazing original music.

In 2011 Matthew felt the need to return home. Knowing Austin is the real place to share the music and being from here, he rode his bicycle back here and eventually found the musical projects that he plays in today.

Continental Drift
&
Bourgeois Mystics

To hear Matthew's guitar playing and bass guitar approach visit his Soundcloud.

ike to begin by letting the student lead.
In addition to learning from you, I intend to present you with new information, to try and broaden your musical tastes and teach you how to be an active listener.

mony, shares the basic tenets of the Suzuki method, and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

here is nothing better than making a student feel like he wants to go home and practice. "