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