About

Matthew has been teaching both Horn and Piano since 2015 and is currently on faculty at the New York School of Music and Arts and Substitute Horn Faculty at the Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program (MAP) in addition to maintaining a private teaching studio. Matthew’s students have been accepted to Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music and Mannes Pre-College Divisions in addition to having been awarded first prize in regional, national, and international music competitions and performing at venues such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Private lessons* are available at Matthew’s home studio in Inwood (upper Manhattan), easily accessible to residents of New York City, Northern New Jersey, and regions of Westchester County and Long Island. Online lessons are available on a case-by-case basis depending on the level of the student and availability. Lessons are available to piano students ages 5 and up horn students ages 10 and up.

*All In-Person students must be fully vaccinated.

Teaching Philosophy

A strong proponent of individualized education plans, my focus as a teacher is to customize student learning outcomes to best fit the student and their long-term goals. For a younger student who may just be getting started on their instrument, this would include a simple, yet balanced program that focuses both on fundamentals such as reading music and basic technique while also including time for fun exploration into general music and creative expression to further engage the student. Conversely, a more advanced student that is looking to prepare for college auditions or beyond, may utilize a more rigorous lesson plan that may include score study, music theory and history, etc.

While a variety of teaching styles and lesson plans may be utilized, I will always prioritize the student and their music first. This means that despite setting a difficult plan of study or setting high standards, I believe that the goals set in lessons should never impede or detract from the art of making music itself. Lessons will always remain positive, constructive, and collaborative in order to ensure the long-term passion and dedication to music that I hope to share with each one of my students.

As a person of color and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I believe that all students should have access to music and to express themselves through music regardless of sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. If you are interested in lessons but aren’t sure you can afford lessons, please do not hesitate to reach out as sliding scales and scholarships are available.

Why Learn Music?

Numerous studies show that listening to music effects the brain like no other activity, firing up every part. Actually producing the music yourself by playing an instrument multiplies this activity tenfold. In children, it is indicated that cultivating these musical skills strengthens the bond between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Learning to make music at any age can help you excel in any field, far beyond the instrument itself. In addition to this, learning how to play an instrument develops self-discipline, focus, emotional intelligence, analytical processing, confidence, and self-reflection in musicians of all ages.

Check out the video below to learn a little more about the advantages of learning music!