Freelance Instructor
Freelance Repair Technician
Saxophonist Matthew Hess is an active performer, teacher, and repair technician. Based in Atlanta, Matthew maintains a large private saxophone studio in addition to his career as a band instrument repair technician. Matthew frequently presents masterclasses on saxophone pedagogy and saxophone repair topics throughout the Southeast.
In addition to performing with a variety of chamber music and community wind ensembles, Matthew has been a featured soloist with the UNCSA Graduate Percussion Ensemble, and as part of artist Alexander Lee's project, "The Tupapau Within" in New York City. Matthew has given solo performances throughout the Southeast as a participant in North American Saxophone Alliance regional conferences, and as a guest artist at various universities.
Having built a large private saxophone studio in northern metro Atlanta, many of Matthew’s students have participated and advanced in regional and state-wide competitions. In 2017, Matthew co-hosted a week-long saxophone retreat for middle and high school saxophonists in the Atlanta area with saxophonist Brandyn Taylor. Prior to moving to Atlanta, Matthew was the saxophone instructor at the Chapel Hill School of Musical Arts in North Carolina, and also served as the saxophone instructor at UNC School of Arts’ Community Music School.
In 2012, Matthew began his instrument repair career as an apprentice and team member in the Sax ProShop of MusicMedic.com in Wilmington, NC. Quickly immersed in the world of saxophone repair, Matthew soon realized his extreme passion for a career in instrument repair. While at MusicMedic, Matthew learned the intricacies of high-end, meticulous saxophone repair, specializing in setup and a unique tuning and toning process. Today, Matthew has built a small in-home saxophone repair business catered to collegiate and professional saxophonists. Through his repair endeavors, Matthew has had the unique opportunity to meet and work with saxophonists from around the world.
Matthew received a Bachelors in Music Education from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a Masters in Saxophone Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Matthew’s teachers include Wildy Zumwalt, Timothy McAllister, Patrick Murphy, Christopher Creviston, and Taimur Sullivan. Matthew plays on Selmer Paris saxophones and mouthpieces.
hessmatt87@gmail.com