Matt is a dedicated guitar coach at The Guitar Gym, where he has been helping students unlock their musical potential since 2014. With a Bachelor of Music from QUT, Matt is passionate about guiding members through their musical journey, whether they’re learning guitar, bass, or ukulele. His goal is to create an environment where the joy of making music is at the forefront, helping students develop a lifelong love for their instrument and their craft.

A true blues enthusiast, Matt’s musical influences run deep, with legends like B.B. King, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton shaping his approach to both playing and teaching. While his passion is blues, he also enjoys exploring complex, experimental music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Jethro Tull and Steve Wilson. His versatility as a musician extends beyond the guitar, as he also plays bass and harmonica, adding a unique dimension to his coaching and performances.

As a live performer, Matt is no stranger to the stage. He regularly performs as Dishpanhands, where he showcases his skills through original blues compositions and timeless blues covers. Matt also plays with the Tracey Hammell Band and collaborates as a session guitarist with various artists, continuing to hone his craft and stay connected to the music scene.

What Matt loves most about coaching is seeing his members break through significant hurdles and achieve milestones on their instruments. Whether it’s witnessing the excitement of a new skill mastered or seeing someone embrace music as a means of self-expression or relaxation, Matt’s greatest joy comes from knowing that music is offering something far beyond just the technical ability to play. His teaching philosophy revolves around sparking a sense of enjoyment and curiosity in his students, hoping it inspires them to push the limits of what they can do with their instrument and music itself.

For Matt, music is more than a career – it’s a lifelong passion for performance, expression, and pure enjoyment. His commitment to teaching stems from the desire to help others find the same love and fulfilment in music that he has experienced throughout his own musical journey. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to refine your skills, Matt’s teaching approach is all about making music an enjoyable, accessible, and transformative experience.