ROCK HUNGER! with MATC Music students!

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Jeannine Rivers

"The year was 2005 and I was 42 years old. My 18 year career in the Banking industry had come to an end. My daughter was 18 years old and leaving for college and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. Music has always been a pertinent part of my life. I come from a family of musicians that made sure that music stayed alive in my soul and I can’t remember a time when I did not sing! I decided to complete a path in my life that I had put on hold 24 years prior. I enrolled into the music program at MATC in August of 2005. I would soon learn the true meaning of what being a musician really meant. I was born a singer. The texture, sound and range of my voice are something that comes naturally to me. I had very little formal music training growing up as a child; but performing in front of audiences was nothing new to me.

The music program at MATC taught me a brighter side to music! I learned the importance of music theory, composition, piano, and ear training. I went into the music program not fully understanding how important these aspects were to music. Now I see the light! The theory and harmony classes taught by Hal Miller proved to be a complicated learning experience for me. He was able to take the most complex aspects of harmony and theory down to a level of understanding that allowed me to grasp his teachings. As a voice student I came to MATC with years of vocal training. Taking the performance technique classes with Robbi Heighway gave me the opportunity to build my confidence, stage presence, and vocal techniques. I have been able to take the knowledge learned through this class and become a better performer.

The Music Business class taught by Ben Hans proved to be my favorite class and a very valuable experience. I learned the importance of copyright laws, and how to promote my own music business successfully. My favorite part of the class was learning how to make a creative business plan and press kit.  I have also learned the importance of networking, social media, and music contracts and how to conduct business with other musicians. Through Ben’s guidance I have become very successful at booking my own gigs as well as booking gigs for other performers.

Since graduating from the music program at MATC I continue to perform at various festivals and music venues in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. I have had the pleasure of having articles written about my musicianship in the Shepherd Express and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In 2010 I was honored by Who’s Who of Black Milwaukee for my music excellence.  I am currently working on my Bachelor of Arts in voice at Cardinal Stritch University and I currently work as a voice teacher teaching K4- 12^th graders throughout various schools in the city of Milwaukee.  God has blessed me with a magnificent gift. I continuously look forward to the musical journey he has prepared for me."  

http://www.jeanninerivers.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6ot0411gAQ

MATC Jazz Ambassadors Perform Nov.18th, 2011

MATC Faculty Endorsement Announcement

MATC Music's Ben Hans has signed with Yamaha as a Yamaha Performing Artist.

http://www.yamaha.com/artists/artistdetailb.html?CNTID=5803099&CTID=5070020

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Michael Mueller

"In fall of 1988, while attending UW-Milwaukee not really knowing what I wanted to be when I grew up, I began working at a small grocery store in Menomonee Falls, WI, where I met this long-haired guy who played guitar. His name was Steve Peplin. It wasn't long before break-room jam sessions commenced, and Steve told me about the guitar program at MATC and this amazing instructor named Jack Grassel. Steve invited me down to campus to hang out for a day, check out the program, and meet Jack. I enrolled the following September."

"In my two years at MATC, I was fortunate not only to get instruction from such wonderful teachers as Jack, Tom McGirr, and Gene Morrissette but also to be surrounded by highly devoted and incredibly talented classmates like Steve, Mike Butzen, Jeff Schroedl, Troy Nelson, and Chris Kringel, among others, who've all gone on to stellar careers in music. In fact, it was that relationship with Jeff Schroedl that later brought me into the Hal Leonard Corporation extended family, first as a freelance music and educational editor, and later as an editor at Guitar One magazine."

"Shortly after that, I moved to New York City, where I later served as editor-in-chief of Guitar One and Guitar Edge magazines. During my tenure with those publications, I interviewed and conducted lessons with such legendary guitarists as Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Angus Young, Alex Lifeson, Mark Tremonti, John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert, Frank Gambale, Zakk Wylde, John 5, Mike Stern, George Lynch, Phil Collen, Reb Beach, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Adrian Legg, Neal Schon, and the great Les Paul."

"Additionally, I've written for several other music publications, authored or co-authored over 20 instructional books for Hal Leonard and Cherry Lane, been a contributing author to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Guitar Heroes" and "101 Great Playlists," produced and scripted numerous instructional guitar DVDs and online video lessons for Hal Leonard, and edited countless guitar-related books. Currently, I manage GuitarInstructor.com, which offers fully licensed and authorized guitar tab, video lessons, and play-along jam tracks."

"Thanks to the MATC music program and the relationships forged while I was there, I get to play the guitar, write about the guitar, and market the guitar every day—and get paid for it. Not a bad gig, if you ask me. Good luck with your studies!"

Michael Mueller

http://www.guitarinstructor.com/

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Joey Zak

"I had always known what I wanted to do from a young age. Play music in a rock band. After high school in Door County, WI, I remembered I had the choice of many colleges. I wanted to move to LA, but to make my parents happy, I chose school. I chose MATC, because a friend from the area had told me great things about their music program. I remember being only one of four students in the music occupations orientation!"

"After MATC and playing in several bands / studio projects from the Milwaukee area, Die Alone, Halo Speed and Eli Mattson, I started a job at Guitar Center in Brookfield. Selling drums for three years was fun, but I soon realized that I wanted to be on the other side of the counter as an artist buying product! During that time, I hooked up with Marashino as their drummer and toured the US for 6 years. I have been featured on news/radio stations and in Modern Drummer. I also won a WAMI in 2008 for best drummer. We played with many nationals such as Seether, Shinedown, Finger Eleven ect.. Also during this time, I played drums for Eli Mattson. Eli placed second on NBC's 2008 Americas Got Talent. I met Eli downstairs in the “C” building of MATC! During the time Marashino was without a singer in 2010, I received a phone call from Memphis that would change it all. My friend asked me to fill in on a tour playing drums in Joan Red, a Memphis band I was already friends with. This was a co-headlining tour with a band called Echovalve."

"After this tour, the singer of Echovalve, myself and the remnants of Marashino formed Dorydrive. We have since been on several national tours, opening for acts such as Tantric, Hinder, and Quiet Riot. We have recently made several ABC television appearances and have signed with management out of Florida, who continues to help us grow. Dorydrive has few publicists as well as sponsors such as Lovegone clothing, Samick Guitars, Re-Use Jeans and more.. The band is currently based out of Nashville, where we are being produced and recorded by Josh Mendez and Ryan Rossebo, who are both from the MATC music program as well! There is a lot to my story, and if you have any questions find me online and ask! The knowledge I gained, and the relationships that I made were building blocks for the success that I now have today. Thanks to MATC Music's Steve Peplin, Ben Hans, Jack Grassel, Robbie Heighway, Deb Klecker and all that helped so closely on a personal level during my years there!"

-Joey Zak
www.dorydrive.com
www.facebook.com/dorydrivemusic
www.facebook.com/joey.zak

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Micah Olsan

When I started at MATC I had just begun teaching guitar lessons at a local music store, and was regularly gigging in the Madison and Milwaukee area.  I was a bit hesitant to study music at a "technical college," but then I met the teachers and more importantly heard them play.  I found kindred spirits in love with music and eager to share their knowledge.  What I learned in the ensemble classes, Steve Peplin's guitar and composition classes, and music business with Ben Hans were and still are vital to my continued success as musician and a (reluctant) businessman.

I currently teach guitar, beginning voice, and rock band ensemble classes at the Wisconsin Academy of Music in Germantown, WI and am regularly gigging throughout the Midwest with my band (Micah and the OCD Big Band) as well as a blue grass/jazz grass string quartet Big Bang String Thing.  I have self released two full length albums Giant Size Life (2007) and Off Beat Clappers and Hip Toe Tappers (2010), and am currently starting work on a new EP with the OCD Big Band. 

Visit www.micaholsan.com for more info, press, free downloads, performance schedule, or to join the mailing list.

Micah Olsan

http://www.micaholsan.com/fr_home.cfm 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PbZKVVudGE

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Tony Gehring

“When I think about my time in the Music Occupations program the first thing I think about is family.  I went into this new experience not knowing anybody and not really even knowing what I was getting into and walking out a few years later with friends that I will have for life.  The Music Occupations program greatly benefited my playing skills, musical knowledge and networking ideas.

The theory and harmony classes taught by Steve Peplin were very easy to understand.  He took very complicated topics broke them down to the ground level and then built them back up.  Taking bass classes with Tom McGirr helped my playing immensely.  I was able to sight read better and apply the knowledge from the theory and harmony classes onto my instrument.

The Music Business class with Ben Hans was a great life experience.  At the time I was taking the Music Business class, my band Living Dred was just finishing up recording on our first album.  We were also planning on touring that summer after the album came out.  I had no idea about copyrights, press kits or how to start the process of promotion.  Ben helped guide me through the proper steps and also gave insightful ideas on how to get signed, start your own record label and how to network successfully with other musicians.  Since then Living Dred has toured twice, played over 200 shows, and we’re currently getting ready to release our 2^nd album.

I always look back at my time at MATC very fondly.  Before MATC I had fun playing music and not really understanding what I was doing.  Since leaving, it’s easier for me to write songs, I’m able to help my fellow band member’s better understand what they’re playing and I maintain successful relationships with venue owners and other bands.  It’s always great to go to local shows and run into MATC students and faculty, we still are one big family.”

-Tony Gehring

www.facebook.com/livingdred

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wekwO_Mcyz0

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Denise Burton

"Since I was four I knew that I wanted to grow up to be a musician. Years of piano recitals, choirs and musicals led me to enrolling in to MATC's music program at the age of 19. I didn't know that MATC had a music program at first, so I was so happy because of the affordability. My experience there can be summed up in one word FAMILY. My classmates mean the world to me I am so blessed to have met so many talented individuals. All of my instructors are so talented, knowledgeable and supportive; they helped me take my skills to the next level. I didn't know how to read sheet music when I enrolled. Now I not only know how to read sheet music I am able to write it as well. I've also acquired knowledge in music theory, composition, performing, singing, recording and a laundry list of other things. Thanks to all my caring instructors, I am now employed as a contracted music teacher. I will be going into my third year and have already taught in over eight schools, grades K-4 through 12. I have performed at African World festival 2010 with my band Black Coffee(All Girls Band). I am a recipient of the Student Production Award for the Television Academy for the Connections 2010 project. I now have my own studio (JREAM Productions) from the business plan I wrote in Ben Hans' Music Business class five years ago. My husband and I are in the process of starting a Non-Profit titled JREAM Kids, which will educate youth in the Multimedia Arts. I am currently working on my first Album and Ep and I am venturing into jingle writing, I am thankful to my deceased father who thought to buy me a keyboard before I started kindergarten; my mother for her unending belief in me; my husband for sharing his dream with me; my family and friends who are my backbone; my God for giving me this gift and all my instructors for pouring knowledge into me, because of them my career is taking off with unlimited potential and I’m excited to see how far I’ll go."

Denise Burton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLQLn8WvdoE

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Nick Matzke

After graduating from High School in 2002, I decided to enroll in the Music Occupations program at M.A.T.C.  I came in as a player who was mostly self-taught with a limited knowledge of theory, composition, and reading.  From day one I was very excited about the learning environment that the program provided for me.  I got to learn from instructors who were masters at their craft and really enjoyed networking and playing with the fellow students.  Most of my music connections in Milwaukee were made through students and faculty at M.A.T.C.  Getting to take the guitar classes with Steve Peplin was really helpful for my sight-reading and he helped me transition from being primarily a rock player to being able to also play jazz.  Hal Miller’s music theory classes really gave me a strong understanding of both jazz and classical theory.  Jack Grassel was also a huge influence with the ear training classes he taught as well as the lessons I took with him.  He really opened my eyes and ears to the world of jazz and taught some very valuable lessons.  Ben Hans taught a music business class that really helped me understand how to make a living playing music and how to promote.  I also got into recording through M.A.T.C. when I took Jeff Taylor’s class.  A lot of the recoding techniques learned in that class are techniques I still use today and it served as a great foundation for my time after M.A.T.C.  I also really enjoyed playing in the ensembles with all the different tunes and styles we got to play.   

While at M.A.T.C. I learned about Berklee College of Music in Boston from Steve Peplin who was a graduate of Berklee.  Once I graduated from M.A.T.C. in 2005, I applied to Berklee and with the knowledge I learned in the Music Occupations program, I was able get accepted and test into upper level theory and ear training classes at Berklee.  I was able to transfer all my general course credits from M.A.T.C. into Berklee and was able to focus strictly on music courses at Berklee.  I was able to finish a five-year dual major program in three years.  I graduated from Berklee in 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Performance and Music Production & Engineering.  I moved out to Los Angeles and was able to get a job working at Westlake Recording Studio, which is one of LA’s top studios most famous for being the studio used by Michael Jackson for most of his albums.  I got an inside look at the recording industry and the experience of working at a Studio that records major label clients every day.  Kelly Clarkson, T-Pain, Seal, The Jonas Brothers, are just a few of the artists who recorded there while I worked at Westlake.  While I enjoyed the time in LA and gained valuable experience, I realized if I were to continue on the path of being an audio engineer, I would have to give up life as a player.  After a year of working in LA, I relocated to Houston to accept a full time teaching position in 2009.  I’m currently back to doing what I love which is performing with multiple bands and teaching full time.  I also do freelance engineering, mixing, and producing on the side.  I released my first solo album “Physical Proof” in 2009 and in the 9 years since I started at M.A.T.C. I recorded many albums with different bands such as 7 on 6, The Orphonic Orchestra. The Konami Kode, and have also produced, engineered, and mixed albums by artist’s such as Emily Kiel, Highway 59, Wings Burn Away, and Elei Ferrucci.   

Some people would think I view M.A.T.C. as just a stepping-stone, but to me my time at M.A.T.C. was just as valuable as my time at Berklee.  Without the knowledge, skills, and contacts I gained during my time in the Music Occupations program I would not be where I am today.  Thank you to all the instructors in program for giving me a great music education.

--Nick Matzke
Guitarist----Recording & Mixing Engineer----Instructor www.nickmatzke.com

www.youtube.com/nickmatzkemusic
www.cdbaby.com/nickmatzke

www.myspace.com/shredfactoryproductions

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Bob Schaab

“Before MATC, I had been playing drums for about 5 years.  I had an interest in music since 7^th grade, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it.  It wasn’t until my senior year in high school where I found out that Milwaukee Area Technical College had a Music Occupations program.  After researching the program, it sounded too good to be true.  I had the great pleasure to work with awesome professors such as Ben Hans, Hal Miller, Robbi Heighway, Steve Peplin, Jim Reith, Julie Brandenburg, and Gary Williams.  They helped me propel not only my ability to play my instrument, but as well as my appreciation towards other genres of music and instrumentalists, business, my ability to play in an ensemble/band, and my sight reading.”

“Since my time at MATC, I have performed in many bands and ensembles, such as MATC Jazz Trio, Cartilage Party, Paradigm Shifters, Spur, James Murphy/Jon Lovas Quartet, Hale O Malo, UWM Symphony, Mr. Logek and the Noise, the MATC All-Stars, plus many others, and most recently, have had the great honor to perform with the legendary Bob Becker.  I also teach at the Wisconsin Academy of Music as a Percussion and Bass Guitar teacher.  As of now, I’m working on a vast number of projects soon to be coming out of the woodwork this year and have a load of shows coming up. 

“The greatest thing about MATC was that all the professors and students were incredibly supportive, and I have the great pleasure to call my friends.  I’ve never gotten support and encouragement like that anywhere else.  They were always willing to help when I had a question or saw me struggling.  They also helped me get out there in the field, playing shows while I was still in school.  I can’t find enough words to say how grateful I am from everyone in the MATC Music Department, professors and students!  They helped me pave a path towards my career goal and I’m well on my way.  Thank you all!”

-Bob Schaab

At the time of this writing, Bob is currently studying music at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Jeff Schroedl

"The MATC Music Department provided a great environment for taking my music skills to a higher level. The combination of experienced, pro teachers and ambitious students helped push me to become a better all-around musician. I entered the program as a decent guitarist but graduated only two years later with enough ability to work full-time as a music transcriber, performer, and teacher. I always thought I'd have to go on to a music school like Berklee or North Texas State to put myself in a position to be successful with music, but it wasn't necessary. I was hired by Hal Leonard Corporation as a guitar editor shortly after finishing at MATC, and am now Vice President of Pop & Standard Publications."

http://www.halleonard.com/ 

"I've authored several best-selling instructional books, negotiated print deals with artists from Frank Sinatra to Jimi Hendrix, served as Editor-in-Chief of two guitar magazines, played more than 1,000 gigs, recorded several CDs, and written music for a film. I'm also on the Board of the Music Publishers' Association of the United States. Music has been very good to me, and my time at MATC gave me the foundation for my career."

Jeff Schroedl
http://www.alteredfive.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ0SlprxjQM

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - PJ Barth

 "That crazy boy from Wisconsin's really got it." - Buddy Guy

"I had been playing and teaching myself guitar for a few years but didn't know anyone in the biz to get started professionally. I enrolled in the MATC music program to meet working musicians to get plugged into the scene. There I was taught by Jack Grassel, Steve Peplin and Hal Miller. Their mastery help catapult my understanding of my instrument. I've never been a great reader but my ear and understanding of structure and composition was extremely valuable. I was then able to walk into any situation and confidently hold my own. Since my time there I've been able to travel all over the country making a solid living on just gigging. I've played thousands of gigs and done some session work as well. I've been able to share the stage and open for true legends including: BB King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Willie Nelson, Steve Cropper, Joe Cocker and Al Green. The MATC program helped make my dreams come true, and to be able to call many of my idols friends is the highest honor. I have MATC to help thank for that!"

P J Barth

http://pjbarth.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_40QioTsm4

MATC Faculty Endorsement Announcements

Matc Music Faculty members Steve Peplin and Ben Hans land product endorsements.

Steve Peplin is a new endorser of Esp Guitars http://www.espguitars.com/home.html
Ben Hans is a new endorser of Mike Balter Mallets http://www.mikebalter.com/

MATC Music Occupations Program - Success Stories - Kirk Tatnall

"I signed up for the MATC occupational music program straight out of high school. Prior to that point, I'd been playing guitar for 14 years almost strictly by ear. MATC enabled me to bridge the gap between that experience and acquiring all the tools I needed to be a professional musician. I learned music theory, harmony, composition, ear training, how to read music, and everything about my instrument backwards and forwards. Since graduating nearly 21 years ago, I've played roughly 3000 gigs, given roughly 30,000 private lessons, written 4 books for Hal Leonard and worked on countless others behind the scenes, released 10 cds of my own, played many studio sessions and sold production music, and continue to earn a living solely from music related activities, which is a direct result of my education.

Much gratitude to the MATC music department!"

Kirk Tatnall
http://kirktatnall.com/

Welcome

Welcome to the official blog of the Milwaukee Area Technical College's Music Occupations program, inside the college's School of Media and Creative Arts. On this blog you will find many background stories regarding our students and faculty. Enjoy and thanks for looking. Www.MATCmusic.com