Matthew X.

Matt is an accomplished pianist and guitarist, emphasizing a strong foundation in both melody and harmony across these instruments. Starting with piano under the guidance of Mrs. Jasmine Keolian and later transitioning to guitar, he tailors his teaching to each student’s needs, whether guiding beginners through their first chords or helping advanced students with complex interpretations. His lessons emphasize technique, musical expression, and the joy of making music, integrating his extensive background in historical performance to offer a unique perspective on both traditional and contemporary works.

Matt's background includes graduate degrees in Historical Performance from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, where he specialized in lute and theorbo under the mentorship of renowned musicians Joachim Held and Mike Fentross. He holds degrees from SFCM, UC Irvine and the Schola Cantorum. As a pianist, Matt has had the privilege of studying piano for more than a decade with Mrs. Jasmine Keolian, a piano instructor in Los Angeles, before shifting his focus to guitar and historical instruments.

"As an experienced performer and educator, my teaching philosophy is rooted in a comprehensive and holistic approach to music education.

In my piano lessons, I strive to combine technical proficiency with a deep understanding of music history, theory, and aural skills. I believe that music education is most effective when it is holistic, engaging the student not only in playing the instrument but also in understanding the broader context of the music they are learning. For example, when teaching a Bagatelle in A minor, Für Elise, I first explain the two speculative origins of the piece: that it was composed by Beethoven for his student Therese, or for his close friend, the German opera singer Elisabeth Röckel. Then, I move into the musical analysis, demonstrating the interplay and exchange of harmony between the melody and accompaniment, based on foundational thoroughbass concepts. I believe that this approach not only enhances the student’s connection to the piece but also nurtures their appreciation for music as an art form.

Drawing from my chamber music and continuo experience with groups like the American Bach Soloists and Holland Baroque, I stress the importance of listening and collaboration in both solo and ensemble settings. I also introduce continuo concepts as students advance, giving them a deeper grasp of harmony and improvisation.

Ultimately, my goal is to guide students toward becoming well-rounded musicians, capable of both technical mastery and musical understanding.

For fun-I play jazz standards from the Real Book and chill with my cats."