»Matt Harris - Director of Jazz Studies

Matt Harris graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor's degree and from the Eastman School of Music with a Master's Degree in Jazz Composition. Matt moved to Los Angeles after touring with jazz greats Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich. In addition to his devotion to jazz education, Matt's versatility as a writer, arranger and performer keep him very busy in the L.A. studio scene. His music can be heard on numerous jingles, film scores, CDs and live productions.

Matt has two CD's of original music, two published piano books, and more that 150 pieces of music published by Kendor Music, Walrus Music, Heritage JazzWorks and UNC Jazz Press. Matt has been commissioned to write music for bands from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many high schools and colleges throughout the country.

Matt's first solo piano CD titled "From the Heart" will soon be available with an accompanying book that includes lead sheets as well as fully notated piano scores. Matt's first big band CD recorded by the Kluver's big band from Aahrus Denmark featuring many of Matt's original tunes and arrangements will be available by the end of the summer. Matt is currently Director of Jazz Studies at California State University Northridge, directing the award winning Jazz "A" Band and teaching jazz arranging, improvisation, combos, jazz harmony, class piano, and private piano instruction. Matt often performs as a guest soloist and clinician at various Universities and High Schools. He has recently performed and conducted bands in New Zealand, Denmark and China. Matt's favorite pastime is swimming and bike riding with his wife Kim and his two daughters Madelyn and Emily.

For more information on Matt Harris, go to
www. MattHarris.org
email 1: matt.harris@csun.edu
email 2: kimattme@adelphia.net