Testimonials

Over the last 17 years Matt has taught hundreds of jazz guitar students in lessons, workshops, clinics, master classes and through Skype lessons.

If you are interested in studying with Matt online or in person, and want to know more about Matt’s approach and how his lessons work, then check out these testimonials from some of Matt’s current and former students, as well as other guitar professors who have hosted Matt at their University, College or music school for workshops over the years.

Here is what some of Matt’s peers and students have to say about his teaching.

******

 ”Every once in a while, a person comes along who has the skills, the artistry and the vision to make a real impact on their artform:  Matthew Warnock is one of those individuals.  His prowess on jazz guitar is exceptional – there is nothing he can’t play – and the depth of his understanding of the theory and history of each style goes well beyond his years.

As an educator, he has been able to produce fabulous students from fledgling programs far from the urban areas one would expect to encounter such talent.  He also has exceptional writing and entrepreneurial skills to boot!  Matthew Warnock is not one of the people who talks about working hard – he just does it, day after day after day.

The results are evident in everything he does – take a look – see for yourself the crossroads of an impressive education, of hard work, of exceptional talent, and an artistic vision.  That is Matthew Warnock.”

Brad DeRoche – Chair Dept. of Music Delta College, Former Chair of Guitar Interlochen Arts Academy

******

“Nos anos 90 tivemos um grande avanço no ensino da música popular em Minas Gerais, com os cursos de harmonia e percepção ministrados pelos educadores Ian Guest e Sergio Benevenuto. Eles aprimoraram seus conhecimentos nas melhores escola de música popular nos USA. A partir destas inovações de como ensinar essas matérias, escolas como a Pro-Music passaram a adotar e desenvolver o ensino da harmonia e percepção  formando músicos mais capacitados e com um alto nível de conhecimento. A única matéria que estava faltando para  em Minas Gerais para termos o mesmo nível das escolas americanas e européias é a improvisação.  Os cursos de improvisação que o guitarrista canadense Matt Warnock vem ministrando na Pro-Music desde 2010, vem preencher com altíssimo nível essa lacuna. Com as aulas de improvisação de Matt qualquer músico pode improvisar em vários estilos diferentes: Jazz, blues, bossa e fusion. A improvisação deixou de ser tratada como um bicho de sete cabeças, qualquer um pode improvisar. Eu não perco nenhuma aula do Matt e recomendo a todos os músicos que queiram aprender a arte de improvisar.”

Giovanni Mendes – Owner Pro Music Academy

******

“Matt is the most inspired and skilled performer/instructor I have known. As a teacher he has an uncanny ability to break down the most complicated concepts, and present them in a simple, step by step fashion. In master-classes and clinics, I have consistently seen Matt transform every student into better players.

When Matt ran the department at Western Illinois University, he single handedly created one of the greatest guitar communities in the country. I have had the pleasure of visiting his departments and working with his students, who all held themselves to the highest standards of artistry and musicianship. Very few performers embrace and understand music and the guitar the way Matt does. I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him, playing Jazz, Classical, and beyond; each time has been a new career highlight for me.”

Tom Clippert – Chicago High School for the Arts

******

“For the short time that I have known Matt, he has had a major impact on me on so many levels. Even though I have never met him in person, we communicate almost daily. Through the diversity of Skype, he has sat here in my practice room, chatting like we have know each other a long time.

That is one of the secrets to Matt’s Teaching style. He has an air about him that is genuine, approachable and affable. God knows how many “stupid” questions I have asked him, and he always gives me an answer that satisfies my query without making me feel like an idiot. That is a rare quality.

Also, his upbeat and constant articles, lessons and technical information is such a gold mine for the aspiring Jazz musician. It is unimaginable, in hindsight, how I ever got along before. His website has saved me many hours of google searching.

So, in summary I say this. “Anyone that is serious about playing Jazz and furthering your musical horizons, Matt Warnock is your man!”

Thank you Matt, for everything.”

Britt Reed – Current Skype Student

******

“Matt Warnock is the genius behind one of the best guitar programs I have seen anywhere. He’s a great player, knows the guitar and guitarists, understands music deeply and conveys it all to his students fantastically well. I have had the pleasure of meeting and hearing many of his students over the years and seeing how they have developed into excellent musicians through hard work and great teaching. Matt’s one of the best, anywhere.”

Roddy Ellias, guitarist, composer, professor emeritus, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.

******

“I studied classical guitar as a teen, but did not play for 25 years when I met Matt, after returning to the guitar and looking to learn a new style.

Other jazz guitar teachers I worked with forced me to play with a pick and abandon my finger style approach. Matt embraced it and helped me see the advantages of my classical training in a jazz situation.

We listened to jazz pianists and Matt helped me hear how I could sound like a piano on the guitar. Now, I can see the advantages of finger style playing with a jazz slant to it.

Even the classical exercises that I’ve worked on over the years, Matt helped me see how to make music out of those exercises in a new context.

I have always felt that all styles of music are connected, Matt helped me take my classical training and turn into jazz.”

Marc Sandroff – Student Since 2003

******

” I have taught along-side Matt Warnock in clinics and master classes, as well as teaching guest lessons to his students.  Matt Warnock is a dedicated and talented teacher, who is able to distill music down to it’s essential elements, allowing players to build a solid foundation on which they can become the musicians they want to be.”

Matthew Schroeder
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Guitar Department, Chair
www.matthewschroeder.net

******

Matt is a great teacher, highly innovative and engaging.  He is also a killer player who commands huge respect.  Matt is constantly working on new material that I find very effective. I am always amazed at how quickly his students progress. He really brings out the best in each of them because he has a great set of ears and is so devoted.  Hardworking, talented, inspiring and a great person. Matt is a huge reason I love playing the guitar so much.

Tony Richards – Student Since 2008

******

“As a professional musician, performer and teacher, and a student of Matt Warnock’s, I can say he has showed me many things that I can practically apply to my profession and everyday life. Beside the countless ways he has showed me to hone my craft and develop my product, music, he has also showed the invaluable skill of marketing my product. I am always booked for performances, be it jazz, classical, rock, or metal; and I have more students than anyone I know. Matt Warnock has been an awesome mentor and an even better friend.”

Jesse Mazzaccoli – Former Masters Student at WIU

******

“Dr. Matthew Warnock’s online articles are the absolute best way to improve every area of your playing and, eventually, teaching! These concise, easy-to-understand lessons break down every step of the process, giving you the tools to sound like a professional Jazzer.  With an abundant flurry of topics covered weekly, there’s no shortage of information, yet you can still go at your own pace and concentrate on the areas you want to improve on!”

Faraz Chaudry – Former Undergrad Student at WIU

******

Matt in my opinion is one of the most amazing human beings and teachers I have ever had the pleasure of studying with. Matt goes the extra mile for his students and the students that have studied with him privately go the extra mile for him. His energy creates a musical bond that in my opinion is something that every music teacher should have.

I studied with him for four years and he helped me mature in my playing as well as develop myself both as a person and a musician. I am truly grateful for everything that Matt has given me and I aspire to someday have the depth he has in his teaching, performing and advising musicians.

Marcos Rios – Former Undergrad Student at WIU