Matt Tufaro

Location:

Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Kendall

Instrument:

Guitar, Bass, Piano Voice

Background:

Matthew grew up in Seminole, Florida, where he took guitar lessons and graduated from Seminole High School. After graduating, he relocated to Miami, where he earned is Associate in Arts from Miami-Dade College. In May 2021 he completed his Bachelor’s in Jazz Guitar with a minor in Composition at the University of Miami.

Started Music Career:

Matthew first picked up his father’s guitar at 8 years old, and immediately fell in love! He began taking guitar lessons in Clearwater and played with a pop-punk cover band as a child. During his middle and high school years, Matthew added piano, cello and singing to his musical tool belt. As a singer, he participated in both All County and All State festivals. After High School, he shifted his focus to Jazz, studying at Miami-Dade College. While in Miami, Matthew performed on radio broadcasts and in live gigs at local clubs!

Education:

Matthew received his Associate in Arts Degree from Miami-Dade College in 2018, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Music for Jazz Guitar from the University of Miami.

Performance:

Before teaching guitar lessons in Miami, Matthew performed on WDNA Serious Jazz Radio Station with the Odd Times Ensemble. He also performed in the MDC Honors Recital for 2 years in a row. In 2012-2013, Matthew received Superior ratings at All-State and All-County with the Seminole Singers. He won 2 Student Downbeat Awards for performance in Funk/Fusion groups. While living in Miami, Matthew performed his own compositions at jazz clubs, the Biltmore hotel, and other venues all over the city!

Favorite Aspect of Teaching:

“I love watching a student’s passion for music flourish as they cultivate their own artistic voice. Using my background in composition, I strive to engage students’ creative side so that learning happens through the process of self-expression. I believe that the most profound learning happens when it is fueled by an insatiable curiosity. I show students the mechanics of their instrument while simultaneously inspiring in them the drive to explore on their own.”