Location: Alamosa, Colorado
Member since: January 7, 2014
Tracks in portfolio on MusicRevolution.com: 26 (click here to hear all tracks) http://www.musicrevolution.com/search?artist=92361
–Background—Matthew Schildt is a pianist/composer from New York now living in Alamosa, Colorado. Matt teaches music at Adams State University. He has played piano/keyboards for several PBS documentaries, and has had music used in several theater productions and films. Matt has also performed as a violinist and violist in several bands in Colorado and Northeast Ohio. Matt has original compositions, ranging from upbeat and jazzy to pastoral and introspective. His songs range from solo piano to fully orchestrated compositions with violin, viola, mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, percussion, bass, and french horn.
High profile projects or clients you have worked for?
I have had music used in several films and theater productions, including the documentary A Shared Space by Brian Fuller and the play Firstborn by the Black Repertory Group in Berkeley, CA. I have also performed on two PBS documentaries, Still Waiting: Life after Katrina and Lifting the Weight of History.
Primary Instrument? Favorite music-making piece of gear or software you currently use?
I have played viola since I was 9 and piano since I was 16, though I play mostly piano on my recordings. My favorite piece of gear is my Yamaha Clavinova and my favorite sounds are from Native Instruments Absynth.
Film score or song you admire? Why?
So many great film scores to choose from…I love the music to Cinema Paradiso, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Fargo, amongst many others. My favorite song would have to be First Circle by the Pat Metheny Group. Like much of Metheny’s music, First Circle has a sense of journey with gorgeous, unexpected twists along the way.
Music education background?
I did my undergraduate study in music technology and music composition at Lebanon Valley College and received my masters and doctorate in music theory and composition from Kent State University. I currently teach music at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado.
Most embarrassing music-related moment?
There have been lots of embarrassing moments where the winds of southern Colorado have blown the music off of my stand, though my most embarrassing moment would have to be when I shattered the piano bench and ended up on the floor during one of the first music classes I ever taught.
If you had a time machine and could record or perform once with any artist, who would it be?
This is tough, though getting to do anything at all with Miles Davis or Jerry Garcia would be pretty amazing. Playing piano behind Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday would also be up there.
Moment you first knew you would be a musician?
I think I always wanted to be a musician, though I knew I wanted to pursue music as a career when I first started piano at the age of 16.
Advice you would give to a younger family member interested in a music career?
While I would definitely advise putting lots and lots of practice time in, I think it is important to try and develop a personal voice. I think your personality should shine through with whatever you do, whether it is composing or playing saxophone.
Five songs or albums you’d take with you to a desert island?
Pat Metheny Group Still Life (Talking)
Pink Floyd Animals
Miles Davis Kind of Blue
Joni Mitchell Blue
The Beatles Revolver
If you could master another instrument, what would it be?
Definitely the mandolin.
Favorite time of day to work in your studio?
I love working late into the night. That is easier some days than others, though I love when I get the chance to work really, really late.
Any studio collaboration you experienced that stands out in your mind?
My collaboration with Howlin’ Dog Studios with Don Richmond on my CD Open Spaces was a great experience. I am very excited to be recording an upcoming CD there this spring.
Some of your favorite tracks that you would want us to feature in the blog.
The following three are my favorites–
Pathways http://www.musicrevolution.com/search/?trackid=45460
Open Spaces http://www.musicrevolution.com/search/?trackid=45459
Alamosa Moon http://www.musicrevolution.com/search/?trackid=45466
Perfect Spring http://www.musicrevolution.com/search/?trackid=45464 has sold well, as has Mystery Surrounds http://www.musicrevolution.com/search/?trackid=45631 , which is a piece I wrote for an Alice in Wonderland production.
We thank Matthew Schildt for sharing some of his musical background with us and for contributing his tracks to MusicRevolution.com, the Royalty-Free Music Marketplace. Matthew Schildt’s compositions are mostly piano based, and many songs are fully orchestrated and lushly arranged. In addition to acoustic compositions, Matthew has also written many ethereal, ambient synthesizer-based pieces. The next time you need music ranging from quiet and introspective to upbeat and jazzy, check out Matthew Schildt’s music on MusicRevolution.com.
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Chris Cardell is the co-founder of MusicRevolution.com http://www.musicrevolution.com, a royalty-free music marketplace with over 29,000 tracks online where media producers, video producers, filmmakers, game developers, advertisers, businesses and other music buyers can license high-quality, affordable royalty-free music from an online community of professional musicians. MusicRevolution.com also provides custom music production and custom music streams. The entire MusicRevolution.com production music library is available for third-party distribution and bulk licensing for background music for retail, restaurants and businesses, and for other commercial applications. Cardell has been involved with digital content and E-Commerce since the mid-1990’s.
