Matt Harris is Director of Jazz studies at California State University, Northridge. In addition to directing the Jazz "A" Band, he teaches arranging, improvisation, combos, jazz harmony and private piano instruction.
Mr. Harris received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and his Master's degree from the Eastman School of Music. His teaching credits include Cal State Northridge and the University of Nevada, Reno. He is well known for his teaching at summer jazz camps and clinics.
Mr. Harris moved to Los Angeles after touring with jazz greats Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich. His versatility as a writer/arranger and performer keeps him busy in the LA studio scene. His music can be heard on numerous jingles, performed with Ben Vereen, Ann Jullian, Andy Williams, Englebert Humperdink, Rita Moreno, Tom Jones and other renowned performers. Mr. Harris has recorded two CDs of original music and more than 100 pieces of music published by Kendor Music, UNC Jazz Press and Walrus Music. He has published two books with Kendor Music, The Keyboard Voicing Handbook and Jazz Piano Solos, Volume One.
Mr. Harris often performs as a guest soloist and clinician at various universities and high schools across the nation. He has recently performed and conducted bands in New Zealand, Denmark, and China.