step by step
fearlessness
in the deep end
HOW WE DO IT
The approach is simple and tangible. We analyze the mind and body and break down every movement into relaxed, doable steps that anyone can execute. While this process may seem tedious at first, students quickly see how efficient their minds become at executing the proper motions. They become addicted to programming one perfect move after another in order to craft a piece of music that is entirely theirs and free of stress and “luck”. We sound huge and fun every step of the way!
We stress freedom, fun and artistry. Why would anyone want to make or listen to music with out those things?! We also look at the science behind pitch and time and train the ear to detect the slightest imperfections that might detract from our art.
Lastly, we are adamant in keeping competition out of the studio. Although we are put in similar situations as competitive athletes, art is not a competitive sport. Any brainpower that is spent on this is wasted. We only look to others for inspiration.
Recently, one of our students had the honor of performing the Koussevitzky Bass Concerto with The Orchestra Project, a collaboration between the Richmond Symphony and VCU. Another student was recently selected as one of four to perform in the closing recital at Interlochen's High School Double Bass Institute.
I am immensely proud of all our students, and graduates have gone on to study music at the following schools:
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Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University
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Arizona State University
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Catholic University
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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
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Drexel University
Students in high school and middle school have earned principal chairs and participated in:
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Interlochen High School Double Bass Institute
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All-Virginia Orchestra (All-State)
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Senior Regional Orchestra (SRO)
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Central Regional Orchestra (CRO)
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Governor’s School for the Arts
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Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO)
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Youth Concert Orchestra (YCO)
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Camerata Orchestra
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String Symphonietta
And tooting my own horn is not something that I like to do, so I’ll let others do it for me:
“Taking lessons with Matt has defined who I am as a bassist. His use of humor and deep insight as a musician is the catalyst for exponential growth as a musician.” - Jacob, former student, currently at Virginia Tech
“Matt is a monster!” - Austin, former student, currently at Drexel
***Thanks guys, your checks are in the mail! <3 MG
I am currently accepting new students. Click here to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!
It is in our power to educate all the children of the world to become a little better as people, a little happier.
― Shinichi Suzuki, Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education
MATT GOLD
... fell in love with the double bass when he began playing the instrument at the age of nine. He went on to study with John Chiego at the University of Memphis on a full scholarship, and later with the distinguished bass pedagogue Lawrence Hurst at Indiana University where he earned a Masters Degree in Music Performance. While at IU, Matt also had the privilege of working with Bruce Bransby, former Principal Bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Stanley Richie, the world-renowned Baroque violinist. Matt has been a tenured member of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and has played with the Louisiana Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony Orchestras. Nowadays, he can frequently be seen on stage at Richmond's Carpenter Theatre with the Richmond Symphony.
Matt has always had a strong interest in a variety of eclectic styles. In high school, he began rock and jazz lessons on guitar and studied jazz bass at the University of Memphis with Tim Goodwin, formerly of the Kennedy Center "Jazz Ambassadors" program. Matt has also taken composition lessons from Prix deRome winner Kamran Ince. He currently plays double bass in Goldrush, a Richmond-based rock band.
A dedicated teacher, Matt is a classical bass instructor at the College of William & Mary and the Ozark Suzuki Institute, alongside the highly accomplished Monsters of Bass. For many years, he appeared as a clinician with the Ottawa Suzuki Strings Institute and Sound Encounters, under the direction of legendary Suzuki protégé Alice Joy Lewis. When he is not making music, Matt loves to explore Richmond and beyond with his wife, Treesa and their two magnificent daughters, Kit and Artemis.
