Jazz Band

Matt Harris

Matt Harris graduated with a BM from the University of Miami and a MM from the Eastman School of Music. He moved to Los Angeles after touring, writing, and recording with jazz legends, Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich. Matt is co-director of Jazz Studies at California State University Northridge, and is a current faculty member at Idyllwild Arts summer jazz workshop.

Matt is an active clinician, conductor and composer for high schools, colleges, and professional bands around the world. He has conducted for the Oklahoma, Arizona, South Dakota, and Texas all state bands. He has been commissioned to write music from bands spanning the globe including Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, China, Turkey, as well as numerous high schools and Universities in the United States. Matt has been a guest clinician for over 20 years with topics ranging from improvisation, rhythm section, piano, arranging, composition, business of music, and the creative aspects of playing jazz.