Online Electric Bass Electric Guitar Guitar Singer-Songwriter Lessons with Matthew 

Matthew - Teacher #4136

Instruments:
- Electric Bass
- Electric Guitar
- Guitar
- Singer-Songwriter

Services:
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

To me, music is the closest thing we have to magic in this world. It is the thing that gives me the most purpose and meaning in my life, so I love the opportunity to share some of my knowledge with other people so they can feel the same. I fundamentally believe that anybody can learn music, an instrument, sing, write a song. I do not like elitism or excluding anybody and I reject the idea that music, and art in general, is only for certain people. We all sang, danced and colored as children and it's a huge sadness that some people stop doing that at a certain age for whatever reason.

This is the base of my teaching philosophy. I teach in a way that feels like you're playing as a child. Not solely because you want to achieve a certain level, or to be praised by others, but rather, because it is fun and it brings you joy. I like to retain this element of play and fun in my lessons, while also integrating music theory, aural skills and playing techniques that will aid student development, both within the lessons and by themselves. I know from experience that as soon as you see a lesson or practice as ''work'', people procrastinate and give up. I like to teach in a way that is fun, engaging and stimulating that also results in my student's skills being developed at the same time.

I began playing guitar with 3 years of classical guitar lessons (my Dad's idea), and while it was beneficial in the long run, I almost quit. I viewed practice like homework and I would try to get out of lessons. Eventually, I asked to switch to electric guitar. My new teacher then began to teach me songs that I wanted to learn, and not what he thought was best. From that moment I was hooked. I would play guitar to put off doing homework or chores, to the point where my mother had to ask me to stop because it was late in the evening.
Ultimately, learning guitar for fun is by far the best way to fall in love with the instrument and to keep it up over the years. Lessons essential for learning good technique, habits and to understand the instrument. But, if you can inspire your student to play in-between lessons, for fun. It is truly amazing how much progress can be made!

Musical Education

I have completed RTG London College of Music grade exams 3-8, obtaining my Grade 8 qualification at age 17.
I studied guitar since age 5, beginning with three years of classical guitar lessons, where I learned to read sheet music. I then began electric guitar lessons from the ages of 8 to 17. The RTG LCM electric guitar exams consisted of performance pieces, solo improvisation, music theory, aural tests and harmony assessments.
I trained vocally in the Palestrina Choir from the age of 7 as well as Belvedere College choir. Both choirs entailed professional performances on Ireland's national broadcaster RTE, in the National Concert Hall and in the Olympia Theatre.
I received an H1 (A) in my Leaving Certificate exams in high school and was accepted into BIMM Dublin. Ultimately, I did not attend for personal reasons.

Special Skills and Training

My father was a milkman in Dublin, who was suddenly cast in several West End productions in London. My name actually came from his character in Dr. Doolittle! When he returned to Ireland, he began teaching vocal lessons. From a young age, I had first-hand experience witnessing how a highly skilled professional can share their knowledge to enrich their students. I took part in musicals in high school and in college, I sang in church and school choirs for a decade, I have played in concert bands and traditional groups and I have also formed and played in bands since the age of 12. I write, record and produce my own music as a solo artist, after teaching myself music production. All of these things have contributed to my knowledge and love of music, in various styles, settings and groups of people. I feel being the front man, songwriter and producer of a band with people in their early 20's is some of the best training you can get for teaching groups of children.