Congratulations! Also, ...

... we can breathe again!

Notification letter arrived today!

It's been a while, so here's an update!

It has been some time since I have provided an update on Matt's progress, so here we go!

Matt has completed his first year as a Doctoral student at the University of Arizona, Fred Fox School of Music.  I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Tucson for his DMA Qualifying Recital on April 26, 2015, where I practically BURST with pride as he presented a very difficult program with skill and professionalism.  I continue to be amazed at the musician he is becoming ( and that is NOT just because I am his mom!)

As the academic year is drawing to a close, Matt is seeking opportunities to teach and perform over the summer in the Tucson area.  He is highly qualified to instruct/rehearse both marching and concert groups as well as provide individual and small group instruction.  He has been performing extensively throughout the year with several organizations in the Tucson area, including the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra.  If you are reading this and know of any openings that might fit the descriptions above, or would like more information about Matt and his qualifications, please don't hesitate to email him with inquiries at "mtimman1988(at)gmail(dot)com".  If you like, you can tell him you learned about his availability on this blog.

Matt practicing the tabla portion of his recital on April 26, 2015

As always, thank you for your continued interest, your support and your good energy as Matt continues on his path.  He and I are very humbled and grateful.

As of May 15, 2014 ....

Facebook status update 5-15-2014

Thesis is officially registered and posted, now available to the public

Now preparations for his doctoral studies to begin Fall 2014 at University of Arizona.

Masters Recital

Is done.  Now working to finish thesis and continuing to communicate with the universities visited during the "doctoral audition tour."  Link to one of the pieces performed is here.  Will post more as information becomes available.

During the performance

Weekend activities ...

Matt will be performing at two events this weekend, starting with a performance of the works of Stuart Saunders Smith, conducted by the composer, at The Center for Performing Arts, Kobacker Hall, on the campus of BGSU.  The event begins at 6:00 PM, and is free and open to the public.

On Sunday, April 6, he will be part of a large ensemble who will perform the piece, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, by Karl Jenkins.  The concert will take place at the University of Findlay (more information available here.

This is all ramping up to his Masters Recital to take place on Sunday, April 13, at 10 AM. This performance is also free of charge and open to the public.

Doctoral Auditions Update

Wisconsin is in the books -- harrowing driving in Matt's boxy little Volvo in brutal winter weather to stay with friends on Iowa and then on to Madison.  Matt has spoken little about the audition, as is his way, and is now waiting for communication from his contact there.

He has digitally submitted audition materials to OSU, and continues to have difficulty connecting with his contact there due to meager communication and scheduling conflicts.

He left from Detroit this morning for a whirlwind audition circuit that will include University of Arizona at Tucson and University of Washington at Seattle.  Please send your good thoughts and lots of wishes for clear skies and steady nerves throughout.  It was tough saying "See ya later" this morning, and Matt would stand for no photos -- this is the only one I have to share.

On his way...

Mark your calendar....

Recital date for Matt is:

Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Bryan Recital Hall, in the Moore Musical Arts Building on the lovely campus of Bowling Green State University.

Moore Musical Arts Building, BGSU

Bryan Recital Hall, Moore Musical Arts Center

Bryan Recital Hall, Moore Musical Arts Center

Bryan Recital Hall, Moore Musical Arts Center

See Cinemagraph Trio Live!

Here's an opportunity for you to get a taste for the work of Cinemagraph Trio.  They will be performing LIVE September 22 at:

B-Bop Records

137 N. Michigan, Toledo, Ohio 43604

Also performing will be: 

• Curse (Baltimore, MD) - Curse is Logan Terkelsen (ex-Pfisters) and Jane Vincent (ex-Abiku). Curse is a two-piece electronic/doom band. Jane & Logan formed Curse in the fall of 2011. https://www.facebook.com/Cursebaltimore

 

• Dean Tartaglia (Toledo, OH)  -- I’m a musician.  I live in Toledo.  I have played in these bands:  Mind Riot, Mind Fish, The Sights, GOLD, We Are The Fury for one song,  Ohio University’s Jazz Ensemble and Silent Lions.  I’ll be releasing a new song at this show; more information soon.

Come on over and check it out!  

Admission is $5 to benefit the venue and musicians.

Ramping up

Classes are about begin and the students are returning to BGSU.  The coffee shops are overflowing, much to the chagrin of "regulars" like Matt (his Starbucks is so accustomed to his visits that from the time he walks in to the time he reaches the counter, they have his order ready!).

Before classes are in full swing, Matt's performance group, Cinemagraph Trio, has gotten together to work and prepare for a possible gig in September.  Here's the latest:

Hey guys,

We had a great rehearsal today here at BGSU and worked on a new tune which I think is a real winner.

We are also excited to report that we will be playing this tune at our first live performance in September at B-Bop Records in Toledo, alongside two great bands.

Stay tuned for information and more gigs as it becomes available.

Best,
-Cinemagraph Trio

Now...

... the work begins in earnest.

Matt arrived home late last night after a nine-hour drive from Princeton. He was exhausted, but hungry and sleep eluded him, so we sat together for a while and talked while he downed the questionable stuff that passes for food that is sold at the late-nite fast food joints.

As he started to relax and open up a bit, he shared amazing things with me.  He talked to me about what a privilege it was to be instructed by and then get to know the composer, Stuart Saunders Smith.  He described a quiet, dignified man with great intellect and deep spirituality. He is also a man who doesn't believe in wasting words or beating about the bush.  Matt came to understand what being "authentic" and "genuine" truly is in his time with Stuart and his wife, Sylvia.

In contrast to his time with Stuart, he described his time at SōSI as dynamic, fast-paced and energizing.  He came from his two weeks with many ideas, lots of great connections, and an intense desire to put all that he gathered into his work moving forward.

Matt headed back to BG today, anxious to get down to work.  His experiences this summer have been no less than transformational, and will undoubtedly continue to influence his work for the rest of his life.

It is humble gratitude that I share this with you.  Without your support, this journey of growth would not have been possible. 

Sō....

... much going on!

Here is the quintessential link for all things Matt and SoSI (SōPercussion Summer Institute) 2013 - http://Instagram.com/SoPercussion/ 

You'll recognize Matt in many photos and also confuse him with SōPercussion's Josh (his beard is actually MORE massive than Matt's! - http://sopercussion.com/josh).

Matt (L)  and Josh from SōPercussion (R)

Ramping up for the last week with SōPercussion

Been busy, learning and doing multiple public performances, including some premier performances of some new works.  This week ramps up to the final performance of some works by Steve Reich, and includes a day with him to prep for the performance.  The photo below is of the hard-working percussionists setting up for a gig... sweet work, if you can get it :)

You can see all the photos that Matt has taken (not a ton) by visiting his Instagram  profile.

His time in Vermont is nearly at an end...

But here's a personal message and a photo for you about Matt's journey so far:

"I can't thank the people who helped me get to Vermont enough,  without the contribution of patrons this would never have been possible.  Also, I can't thank Stuart and Sylvia Smith enough for their endless knowledge and hospitality.  One of the greatest weeks, if not THE greatest, of my life."

From left:  Matt Timman, Stuart Saunders Smith, Sylvia Smith -- July 2013

On his way....

... to spend 5 days with Stuart Saunders Smith and then 10 days with SōPercussion with Steve Reich and others at Princeton.  Should arrive at his hotel in Vermont some time this afternoon.  Looking forward to sharing updates about his experiences as they become available.

Keeping fingers in lots of pies...

Currently Matt is writing percussion books for several shows for the St Francis de Sales marching band. It basically consists of taking the full score that has already been laid out for the show, researching the music that is being used for the theme and then writing awesome percussion parts for it.  It sounds pretty straightforward, but it takes time and concentration, so it is good that he is clearing this responsibility from his plate as his summer opportunities fast approach.

He has also contacted two of his colleagues from UT to form a performance group for the purpose of supporting the creation and getting exposure for what has become his passion: electro-acoustic music, somewhat in the fashion of the group Big Robot , from Purdue.  His goal is to work with these colleagues to build a portfolio of works that he can then publish and perform at "new music" -type events. Heady stuff, it seems to me, but if it is out there to be done, I know that Matt is the guy to make it happen!

Here is a link to a sample of the work of Big Robot on Vimeo. Enjoy!

Additional footage and more inspiration in strange places...

A new bit of video to work with for the Masters project, taken at an abandoned public school building -- here's the scoop and the link from Matt:

"The trailer for my current project HUMAN/NATURE/MACHINE, a program of an eclectic mix of acoustic and electroacoustic works for solo percussion, accompanied by video produced by myself. Includes works by John Cage, Stuart Saunders Smith, Eric Ewazen, Christos Hatzis, Jeffery Peyton, Nathan Davis and more."

 See the video now on Facebook

Pushing toward the goal...

And with the goal firmly in our sights, here's one more thing to offer you to spur you to a lot of donation action.  As you can see below, we have a limited number of these very awesome glow-in-the-dark silicone wristbands (adult size only) with a special message to you from Matt and me.  You can get one of these little beauties sent directly to you for the paltry donation of only $5.00 or more.  For your effort, you will receive one super-cool wristband and the gratitude of a musician driving hard to reach his goals. 

Progress being made on content for final Masters recital

from Matt:

"This is the accompanying video with click track that I created for the project I am currently working on entitled HUMAN/NATURE/MACHINE. The piece is In The Fire of Conflict by Christos Hastiz, for Marimba, Crotales and Tape."

Watch Now on Facebook 

Another gig for the all-around percussionist

So, Matt has this gig coming up for St. Francis de Sales High School here in Toledo.  He is friends and has worked quite extensively with the band director there and is working for him as the sole percussionist for the pit for their school's production of Les Misérables.

The percussion part includes (quoting from the description of the performance packet that they have to rent for the scores and scripts) "Timpani, Tam-tam, Sleigh Bells, Bell Tree, Xylophone, Bongos, Xylo Beaters, Glockenspiel, Tambourine, Gong, Suspended Cymbal, Chimes, Triangle".  Matt appears to be working on this in a very innovative way.  He is using his composition and recording software on his laptop to set up all the instruments he needs.  Then he will actually perform the instruments using his laptop, reducing substantially the amount of space his set up will take and helping him manage all the different parts he has to cover.  It seems pretty awesome -- I hope to have the opportunity to see it in action.

Here is a link to the calendar of events at St Francis, with the dates and time of the performances.  For those who do not like to follow links, the performances are : Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, and May 10 and 11 at 7:30 PM. There is a minimal cost for tickets (don't know what that is, but you can call the school to find out at 419.531.1618)

And just to tie things all up with a nice fancy bow, here is a picture of the set up that Matt will be using starting tonight and for the next two weekends.  PS -- I found out that the performances are pretty much sold out -- pretty amazing for a high school production!

Growing skills, stretch opportunities

There has been a tabla master at BG for about a month.  For those not familiar with the term, tabla is "... is a membranophone percussion instrument (similar to bongos), used in Hindustani classical music and in popular and devotional music of the Indian subcontinent. The instrument consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres. The term tabla is derived from an Arabic word, tabl, which simply means "drum." The tabla is used in some other Asian musical traditions outside of India, such as in the Indonesian dangdut genre."

If I understand it correctly, the way you learn to play tabla is to study with a master, and you learn the methods of his school.  Different masters have different methods, so each teaching is a little bit different.  Matt has had the good fortune to study with a teacher whose master has been making annual visits to the US.  This year on his visit, Matt has been able to work with him, and on his departure he was given the great honor to purchase his tablas from him.  This is such a unique experience and fits so perfectly with the other opportunities for musical growth that Matt is pursuing.  I had a chance to see Matt's tablas for the first time today -- they are as beautiful in workmanship as they are in the sounds that he can make with them -- here are a couple photos:

 

 Matt's Tablas

Here also is an interesting short video from YouTube to give you some context for the complexity and level of uniqueness of this very cool instrument.