matt raw
About matt
Matt is available at our Blackburn studio and online, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Since picking up the guitar in 1999, Matt has developed into a highly experienced and versatile teacher, offering lessons in both electric and acoustic guitar. With almost 2 decades of teaching experience, Matt works with students of all ages, from primary school children to adults, including neurodiverse learners. His approach is rooted in the belief that every student is unique, and he takes pride in tailoring each lesson to suit the individual’s needs, musical interests, and learning pace.
Matt’s teaching style is centred on building a strong foundation of technique in both the left and right hands. He ensures that students not only learn the songs they love but also develop proper posture, finger positioning, and picking techniques, giving them the skills needed to play confidently and comfortably. Whether it’s teaching the fundamentals or diving into more complex modern guitar styles, Matt adapts to the goals and aspirations of each student.
For students interested in pursuing a structured pathway, Matt has helped many of his students achieve excellent results in ANZCA modern guitar exams. While entirely optional, these exams offer students an additional structure and goals to develop their skills on their instrument. Whether students choose this route or a more casual learning style, Matt supports their individual goals every step of the way.
In addition to his in-person lessons, Matt is highly skilled in online teaching, frequently working with students remotely. He effectively integrates tools like metronomes, drum machines, and slowing down songs via software to enhance learning, making even online lessons engaging and hands-on. His ability to combine traditional methods with modern technology ensures that students get the best of both worlds when learning online.
Matt draws inspiration from a wide range of modern and classic artists, including Josh Homme, John Frusciante, Panda Bear, Tame Impala, Talking Heads, Radiohead, Four Tet, The Beatles, The Beastie Boys, Beck, Jack White, David Bowie, Damon Albarn, Vampire Weekend, and many more. This eclectic mix of influences fuels his creativity and informs his teaching style, allowing him to offer students a broad spectrum of musical perspectives, from indie and alternative, to classic rock, to experimental sounds and everything in between.
Outside of one-on-one lessons, Matt has run songwriting and modern band technique workshops for school groups, encouraging young musicians to explore their creativity in collaborative settings. In his free time, Matt enjoys songwriting, producing electronic music, coding websites, and playing video games.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Matt is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential through personalised, engaging, and goal-oriented guitar lessons.