Private Instruction
Hybrid Teaching
Matthew is a first year master's degree candidate at Northwestern studying with Stephen Smith. The 27-year-old tenor is from Las Vegas, Nevada and commenced his studies in 2014 at Waldorf University. After three years at Waldorf, he transferred to the University of Nevada Las Vegas to continue his degree in Vocal Performance, studying under Dr. Alfonse Anderson. He took a two-year hiatus to serve a church mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rome from 2019-2021, learning fluent Italian and serving the people. While in Rome, he performed in many concerts and recitals across southern Italy. He returned to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and graduated in the summer of 2022.
Matthew has been in Opera Scene programs at the University of Nevada Las Vegas as Nemorino in “L’elisir D’amore”, Tamino in “Die Zauberflöte” and Tony in “West Side Story” among others. He portrayed Randy in the world premiere of “State of Grace” by Linda Lister and starred as Don Pellagio in “La Canterina” by Haydn. In the summer of 2023, he was featured as Don José at Northwestern’s summer intensive program production of “Carmen”. Next spring, he will be singing the role of Ferrando in Northwestern’s production of “Cosi Fan Tutte”. He and his wife Giada Barney (Mezzo-Soprano) have enjoyed studying and performing together while raising their daughter, Jade.
MM, Northwestern University (2025)
BM , University of Nevada, Las Vegas
My teaching philosophy is grounded in healthy, full production that is unique to each individual. Mastering an actual process and technique routed in fundamentals allows for vocal growth and longevity. I am very passionate about teaching students to be self sufficient in their vocal growth. Being able to self diagnose fatigue issues, problems with register shifts and navigating the oh so problematic passaggio are invaluable for every voice student no matter what style of singing.
I love opera. I specialize in Italian repertoire and am a fluent Italian speaker.
I am a huge sports fan (especially football) I grew up playing football for about 12 years all the way to the collegiate level. My favorite NFL team is the Green Bay Packers!
I lived in Italy for two years. Naturally my favorite food is Italian. Pizza of course is near the top of the list. My favorite pasta L’amatriciana also is at the top.
Music is one of the few things in this world where I feel comfortable being vulnerable. It just makes sense to me. I met my wife studying music during my undergrad and now we both perform and study together while raising our family.