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Jazz Area

Matt Thompson, BMus Jazz (Syd Con) Piano T: +61 2 6125 5727 E: Matt.Thompson@anu.edu.au

It is Matt Thompson’s commitment to teaching jazz piano that drew him to relocate from Sydney to Canberra to be part of the academic faculty in the School of Music.

“I believe jazz education in Australia is important as it enriches our communities and culture and continues the jazz legacy for up-and-coming generations,” he says.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Music (Jazz) Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and has taught students of all ages, from beginners to professionals — piano, theory, jazz harmony, aural perception and arranging.

“My role is to do what I can to help students succeed,” Matt says.
“Over my many years of teaching, I have observed students encountering difficulties with physiological performance and tension which then reflects on their creative and performance potential. This had led me to investigate the Alexander technique, and the Feldenkrais and Dalcroze methods as tools that students can use to enhance their performance.”

Matt also has strong links to, and performs with nationally recognised jazz musicians as part of his own professional development.

School of Music faculty member since 2006.