Matt Johnson Music Studio

Matt makes his living as a musician by utilizing his various musical skills. Teaching up & coming musicians is one skill he quite enjoys. Having previously taught in Performing Arts Schools & Universities, he now teaches primarly from his home studio.

Matt teaches piano, theory, composition & the art of notation/engraving. Having taught private lessons since 1977, his teaching encompasses the Classical, Jazz & Popular Music literature.

Matt says: “My philosophy of teaching music embraces the Classical literature, but is more inclusive of other styles as well: Jazz, Popular, Gospel, etc. I like to teach my students to be "functional" musicians. It is important that the student not only learn to read the written language of music, but also that they not be limited by it. I teach chordal understanding in whatever literature we're working on. In addition, learning to play EXACTLY what's written is then supplemented by ADDING notes or rhythms.”

Studying with Matt allows students to benefit from the wealth of his knowledge.
His instruction draws from a wide range of musical expertise, as a…

Being such a versatile & organized musician, Matt brings more than simply learning to play the piano to the teaching experience, but also helps students see the bigger musical picture, including real world applications with their music.

Music Teacher's National Association

Florida State Music Teacher's Association

Broward County Music Teacher's Association

• Theory
• Ear Training
• Harmonic Analysis
• Part Writing
• Rhythmic Understanding

Many students enrolled in high school or college level courses seek out Matt's help for their classes.

His approach in explaining not only the technical 'stuff', but also what's REALLY going on has proven beneficial.

Let Matt help you in your understanding & application in these areas.

Most current Contemporary Christian music is written in a 'lead sheet' format…which leaves many traditionally trained musicians unclear how to utilize the score.

As Music & Worship Arts Director, Matt leads the church Worship Band from the keyboard, playing from these lead sheets. Matt teaches students how to translate these scores into functional playing.

Whether playing with a Worship Band or leading these songs from a keyboard/piano, the style of playing is different. Let Matt help train you in this skill set.

The art of playing traditional hymns for church services is a valuable skill set to develop. As a preacher's kid, Matt grew up playing hymns for church.

Matt now teaches students how to not just read & play the four part harmony written in a hymnal, but to see & embellish the chords being used. This will lead to 'thickening up' the harmonies…helping to lead the congregational singing.

Eventually, seeing & thinking the chords will lead to a greater ability to do 'fills'…then secondary melodic lines…and, eventually much more comfort to 'improvise' on top of the written notes.

Just wanted to get your attention...;-)

People who fall into the more 'mature' category have a special opportunity to finally learn to play the piano & play the songs YOU want to learn.

Many parents & grandparents of my younger students say, “I wish I hadn't stopped lessons when I was a kid” or “I've always wanted to learn to play.” Thankfully, learning to play the piano is not an age related skill.

Matt teaches students of ALL ages…consider letting him help YOU fulfill your life long dream!

Senior adults taking music lessons is called 'Recreational Music Making'. Placing an emphasis on personal goals & literature, the benefits often improve their quality of life by building self esteem, reducing loneliness & encouraging creative expression.

Matt teaches students of ALL ages…consider letting him help YOU fulfill your life long dream!

Matt has developed a series of Workshops that help bridge the gap between a students existing musical knowledge & their real world application. The information provided within each Workshop has proven beneficial for intermediate through advanced music students.

His Connecting the (Musical) Dots…Workshops include these topics: