About Matthew

Introducing Matt BD:

• Music is a very important part of my life. Growing up, it helped me to feel good about myself, because it gave me a way to communicate my feelings, to help make friends, and to become part of the school community. Because of my learning disability, some school subjects were very hard for me. I was not very good at communicating with my fellow students, was not good at playing sports and was often bullied. Music however, was very easy for me to learn and understand and by participating in ensembles such as concert bands, jazz bands and marching bands, it gave me a way to relate to my classmates. As I was playing in the ensembles a few of my classmates asked me if I would teach them how to play. Some of them also had disabilities and music made them feel important. Directing and working with other students convinced me that my passion lies not only in playing but also teaching music. Teaching various forms of music will allow me to give other students who have learning differences the opportunity to feel good about themselves, be creative and express themselves, become part of a music community, and play music for others to enjoy. 

An Influence in Jazz

• My love for playing music especially jazz, started at an early age in grammar and high school. An early influencer in my jazz playing was recording artist Chris Botti. I went to one of his concerts and during the intermission he came out onstage and asked the audience how many young trumpet players were there. I raised my hand and was selected by Chris to have some trumpet lessons with him and play some tunes together next time he came to the San Francisco area. The lessons were great and to this day I remember his great advice. He also introduced me backstage to the some of the members of Earth, Wind and Fire who were playing with him at a concert. 

• Another great mentor who helped introduce me to playing jazz especially improvisation was my trumpet teacher and recording artist Dave Bendigkeit. Dave has been on the San Francisco jazz scene since the early 1970’s. He worked with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, George Shearing, James Brown, B.B. King, the Temptations, Glen Miller Orchestra, Johnny Mathis and so many others. His lessons in Improvisation will never be forgotten. 

The College Years

• As I entered college I had the opportunity to attend several workshops to learn and play with two other famous trumpet players Sean Jones and Demetri Metheney. I also spent many hours playing and practicing with my classical music trumpet teacher Adam Luftman of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra. I love playing all forms of music but Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz is one of my favorites. I was introduced to this genre through the San Francisco State University Afro-Cuban Jazz band under the direction of John Calloway and when playing with the Skyline Community College Jazz Band under the direction of Zackary Bruno. Currently I continue working with Bay Area trumpeter, Lee Catalan, focusing on playing lead trumpet and flugelhorn. 

A Focus in Education

• Through all my years of taking lessons and playing for various bands and orchestras, I observed how my various music teachers have different styles and methods of teaching their students. This experience has taught me many ways to help me teach students. Several of the teaching styles were highly structured, where the teacher was clearly focused on developing the techniques of articulation in music and sight reading. Others were focused on methods that would focus on improvisation. I have been working on using all of those methods to help in motivating students. As I followed all the teachers and observed their teaching processes, it further strengthened my desire to continue to not only play but to also teach music as a career. 

• I want to expand my work experience with students, especially those with disabilities, who want to learn to play music and embrace its magic. This opportunity will allow them to feel good about themselves just like music did for me. I want to put my skills in playing and teaching to help give students a creative outlet to help them build self-esteem and music is one of the best genre for students to express their creativity. I’ve enjoyed helping students learn what it’s like to play music even if they had difficulty understanding it. I hope to positively impact stu- dents’ lives through their learning and playing experience. 

El Camino High School, South San Francisco

Taylor Middle School, Millbrae

Aragon High School, San Mateo

George Washington High School, San Francisco