Michael Matthews

Michael Matthews (b. 1988) began piano lessons at age six because he was forced to by his parents. He cannot thank them enough for this. Six long, grueling years later, he finally came to terms with the fact that he loved playing the piano, and that he enjoyed music. At fifteen, Michael taught himself to play guitar, and the electric guitar, with all its glorious technological gadgets and tools, became the start of his deep interest in how electronic technology and music come together.

In 2010 he earned a B. S. in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics, and a B. A. in Music Technology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. During his time there, he studied piano with Dr. Tracy Cowden and computer music with Dr. Ico Bukvic. Michael was a founding member of the Virginia Tech Linux Laptop Orchestra (L2Ork) , directed by Dr. Bukvic, and toured with them in North Carolina, Florida, and a large part of the Mid-West. Michael also served as the instructor and composer for the laptop orchestra of the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia, a satellite project of L2Ork demonstrating the potential of the laptop orchestra in K-12 education.

As an electronic and computer musician and composer, Michael’s work features acoustic instruments and electronic elements. His piece, Prelude IV, was performed at the North Carolina Acoustic Electric and ElectroAcoustic Student-Run Brand New Music Festival (NCAEaEAS-RBNMF) held in Greensboro, North Carolina in April of 2010. In May of 2010, he was a winner of the New Music Project competition for his progressive rock piece, Imaginary, which was performed in Kalamazoo, Michigan. And his piece for piano solo with live electronics, For Katie Jean, earned the highest compliment any of his work has yet received.

Recordings:
Prelude IV
For Katie Jean