Matthew Sear is a London born, British composer, guitarist and teacher. A record collector from the age of five, Matthew bought his first guitar when he was thirteen, teaching himself rock and blues, before taking lessons in the piano and classical guitar - and four years later gaining subsequent entrance into London's top music conservatoires. He studied the guitar as an undergraduate at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama - and then as a private pupil with Dr Martin Vishnick, gaining Licentiates in performance from both the LCM and The Royal Schools of Music. Now friends, as well as former mentor and pupil, Matthew credits Martin as the man who showed him that the path less travelled really does make all difference! As a post graduate Matthew studied orchestration with film composer and arranger Baz Elmes and guitar and composition under Dr Stephen Goss at The University of Surrey, Guildford, where he was fortunate also in receiving masterclasses from composers such as Oscar winner Gabriel Yared (The English Patient) and Nicholas Casken. He graduated with a Masters Degree in classical performance in 2006; the same year making his performance debut at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden where he performed tracks from his debut album, 'Moods From The Latin Quarter'. Hearing the performance, he was invited shortly afterwards to perform live on BBC Radio Kent.
Since then, Matthew has performed as a soloist in some of London's most famous and prestigious venues; including St Martin In The Fields (Matthew premiered his new work 'America' in the venues 'New Music Series'), St John's Smith Square (with the Whitehall Orchestra) and St Alfege's in Greenwich. He is also a regular guest performer at Hertford College, University of Oxford. Matthew continues to give recitals across France, Spain and North America, receiving much praise for his versatility and the energy of his live performances; he been featured in various radio broadcasts, including BBC, SW1 Radio and Homegrown USA, as well as being featured in online magazines including NME and Gibson Lifestyle. Additional acknowledgements come from a diverse mixture of famous musicians! - Including heavy metal guitarist Bernie Torme, renowned gypsy jazz guitarist Lulo Reinhardt (Nephew of Django) and "The Jimi Hendrix of acoustic guitar" Antonio Forcione who wrote; "Matthew is simply an excellent guitarist".
Committed to continually evolve both as a guitarist and composer, in 2010 under the coaching of Carlos Bonell, Matthew was awarded a Fellowship in performance from The London College of Music, the college's highest award. He is also currently recording an album of twentieth century classical guitar music, which will include music by Leo Brouwer, Benjamin Britten and Heitor Villa - Lobos, as well as original compositions. Other projects on the horizon include a series of preludes for the guitar, a mini tour of the USA as well as developing several classical and jazz ensembles - including a gypsy jazz duo with his wife Suzanne; a singer, pianist and guitarist in her own right! When Matthew is not involved in music, his interests are football, books, the solar system, UFO's, theology, James Bond, and Mexican and Italian food! Please keep checking back, as the site is updated regularly.
Clare Gillet (manager)
e mail claredeanlodge@sky.com
