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MATTHEW DOWN
Trumpet player
Ensemble Director
Teacher
TRUMPET PLAYER
Matthew Down is a trumpet player, musical director, conductor & teacher based in London.
He is an established performer in classical,
big band & pop music having performed with many great bands and orchestras - Munich Symphony Orchestra, Royal Shakespeare company, Philhamonie de Nationen - Glenn Miller Memorial Orchestra, Back to Basie - stage shows - Rat Pack, Show boat - recordings with BBC, Universal & Islands records, Katie Melua & Imogen Heap to name a few.
Starting out in brass bands Matthew studied trumpet at the Junior Guildhall School of Music & Drama with an exhibition scholarship and later at Trinity College of Music before his professional career as a trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn player.
Matthew's musical career includes positions held at Guildhall School of Music and Drama - Head of Junior Music Courses, Conductor, Alexander Technique Teacher and Trumpet Teacher. As a visiting teacher he has taught in many schools - Infant and pre-prep all the way through to University, at the Royal Military School of Music and at music conservatoire, delivering trumpet lessons, workshops and performance classes. He is currently resident
trumpet teacher at Dulwich Prep London, Sevenoaks School and Westminster Cathedral Choir School.
'A truly genuine and inspirational musician'.
Derek Rodgers
Former Head of Junior Guildhall
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Affinity Chamber Orchestra
Our Orchestra is an incredibly Inspiring, collaborative, warm-hearted and highly talented group of musicians delivering thrilling, musical performances.
We work in partnership with Choirs, Composers and Event Organisers - The Orchestra looks to showcase our world-class musicians on every stage.
enquiries:
affinitychamberorchestra@gmail.com
'Enormously impressed by the technical quality, the musicality and the enthusiasm of the group. Founder Matthew Down was a joy to work with'
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Arabella Stuart
Concert Manager
Goldsmiths Union Choir
Teaching Mentoring
& Inspiring
Learning to play a musical instrument is a voyage of discovery & very healthy for the brain.
Playing an instrument builds many skills for life, fuels the brain, inspires creativity and gives a sense of exploration and commitment. Setting up well from the beginning is important, as is looking for the joy! playing music with friends, performing concerts, and experiencing the wide diversity of musical culture available to us. Performing as a soloist or band member is life affirming and character building with many of the skills we learn transferring into other disciplines - such as resilience in sport, concentration levels at school or work, confidence in public speaking and so on. Being a musician is a real skill for life.
Trumpet Lessons
Come for a lesson...
You may be a complete beginner, seasoned professional or something in-between. Perhaps you would like to focus on a specific element of your playing or explore ideas to evolve your skills. Keeping motivated, mentally and physically trumpet fit, working on posture, efficient breath control, embouchure shape, range and so on.
JUNIOR GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL
WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL
DULWICH PREP LONDON
ROYAL MILITARY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
JUNIOR GUILDHALL WIND ACADEMY
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DISCOVERY
TRINITY LABAN
JUNIOR TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC
IN HARMONY
EDUCATION GROUP
CENTRE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL
FELSTED SCHOOLST PAULS SCHOOL
HILL HOUSE
DULWICH COLLEGE
BLACKHEATH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
CAMPION SCHOOL
LONDON ORATORY SCHOOL
CHICHESTER COLLEGE
WEST SUSSEX MUSIC
PRENDAGAST SCHOOL
ST PAULS BOYS
SOLEFIELDS
DULWICH YOUTH ORCHESTRA
KEW WIND ORCHESTRA
DULWICH COLLEGE BIG BAND
SUPER BRASS BBC PROM WORKSHOP
MBAWULA SOUTH AFRICAN BIG BAND WORKSHOPS
'Thank you very much for teaching my son so meticulously in the last year, with which he has not only improved his skills but also gained confidence gradually. Especially this ignites his original passion for music. Also I appreciate your sincere and kind advice on how he can progress'.
Kind regards,
Mrs L
TRUMPET TEACHER
One of my favourite resources - Dr Anita Collins Anita is an award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning.
Teaching credits:
COURSE DIRECTOR
SING SIGN & PLAY
This is a dedicated course for the youngest musicians. Reception, year 1 to 4 use their voices, Kodaly skills and the recorder to perform well known folk songs. This course aims to develop the musical ear, grow confidence in performing and encourage the use of the fine motor skills required to play musical instruments.
Contact Matthew for more information regarding courses and on-going programmes for schools.
CONDUCTOR
Conductor &
Ensemble Coach
Many performing musicians and educators relish the opportunity to analyse and interpret the work of composers and arrangers through history. Matthew has had the opportunity to conduct in some of the countries finest concert halls and venues- Barbican, Sage, Milton Court, Cadogan Hall & Royal Naval College.
Matthew has held conducting posts with West Sussex Music Service, Junior Guildhall School of Music & Drama (2006 - 2018) & Dulwich College.
As a freelance conductor he works with a wide range of ensembles on courses, in sectionals and full rehearsals to performance.
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Alexander Technique
TEACHER
Many great performers and educators have paid tribute to the work of F.M. Alexander over the past 100 years. It's success as a healthy and practical subject helps to positively influence many areas of life, education and work. The principles of the Alexander Technique continue to gain intrigue and interest from performers, business executives and those who seek to explore their true potential.
At Trinity College of Music Matthew took special interest in the Alexander Technique, and in 2004 spent 3 years at the Alexander Teacher Training School in London's West End with teacher Anthony Kingsley. Introducing the principles of Alexander Technique into his teaching has proven most successful and valuable to all ages of student, both amateur and professional.
As well as a busy private practice, Matthew has presented Alexander Technique sessions at many leading Institutes and colleges including The Royal Military School of Music, Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Trinity Laban, West Sussex Music, Felsted School and Dulwich College. He is currently resident AT teacher at Sevenoaks School.
Lessons
Alexander Technique
Explore the possibilities of change through the Alexander Technique. Moving away from bad habits and look after yourself as you grow. Keep fit for work & life.
Alexander's 3rd Book
'The Use of the self'
Introduced by leading Alexander Technique Teacher Anthony Kingsley
