About Matt Friedland

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Matt was self-taught in bass guitar and drum set before studying guitar at the Settlement Music School in Jenkintown, PA and the Music Training Center in Philadelphia, PA.

After moving to Arizona, Matt studied jazz guitar, drum set, improvisation, composition and music theory at Mesa Community College while serving as the on-campus music theory tutor. Following his studies at MCC, Matt was accepted into the Arizona State University School of Music and earned his degree in Jazz Guitar Performance.

Matt’s musical styles include jazz, rock, blues, funk and pop. He has performed with a variety rock bands, jazz groups, duets, guitar ensembles, big bands and as a soloist throughout the East Valley. He has performed the music of artists from Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck as well as composing his own original music. Matt also provides recording session performances for the audio production program at Mesa Community College while constantly building on his own recording studio techniques and personally produced music.

Matt has been teaching guitar, bass guitar and drum set in the East Valley for several years. Although he is a dedicated musician, composer and performer he is equally dedicated to being a highly effective teacher for students of all ages and ability levels. Matt has studied with many great music educators and has learned not only to become a great musician but a great instructor as well.

Testimonials

"I have been taking piano lessons with Sherin for two years and overall it's been an extremely fulfilling experience. I've started off as a beginner, and she has been extremely patient while helping me achieve my musical goals. Sherin's enthusiasm for teaching is apparent and I feel like she really cares about my progress. I can be a little finicky about the pieces I want to play, and Sherin has always been a good sport about helping me select new pieces to my taste and within my ability. During our lessons she places a strong emphasis on the fundamentals, stressing articulations and technique, while also intertwining musical theory so that I gain a deeper understanding of the music I am studying.

If you are looking for a piano instructor, I highly recommend Sherin!"

- Nick B

"I have been a drum student for a little over a year now. Before that , I was self taught. The amount I learned after I started with Matt's teaching far exceeded what I accomplished in several years of self-teaching and books.

The best thing about the instruction is how Matt customizes for different goals and needs. Matt draws on many different teaching sources and techniques as well as personal experience.

The periods of instruction are very fun for me and no matter what we accomplished during the lesson, I am always thrown a new challenge at the end that I can work with and progress further. I will keep going as long as Matt teaches."

- Matt S.

"Matt has been my guitar teacher over the past year and his help has been very significant in my improvement as a guitar player. Matt has helped me through multiple songs such as the Allman Brothers version of “Stormy Monday”, “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi and Led Zeppelins “Gallows Pole”.

More importantly Matt has definitely improved my rhythm playing as well as my ability to play solos. He has also taught me about the role of the guitar player in a band and relates that role to rhythm, chords and solos that are played. He provided a structure that helped me better learn the fret board. Matt is very competent with music theory and conveys what is necessary for the student to be more competent and further enjoy playing guitar.

At each of our lessons Matt demonstrates his expertise in music and guitar. Additionally, and important to me, is that Matt represents and conducts himself in a polite and professional manner. He is easy and fun to work with and cares about the success of his students."