Matt Davis
Matt Davis is an adjunct professor of jazz guitar and the chair of the Guitar Department at UArts. He is also on the guitar faculty of Manhattan School of Music’s Pre-College program and a teaching artist for the New York Pops in New York City.
Biography
Matt Davis is a guitarist, teacher and composer based in the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia areas. His influences include a wide range of artists and styles, including celebrated guitarists such as George Benson, Tal Farlow, Grant Green, Pat Metheny, Pat Martino and Wes Montgomery, as well as contemporary players like Gilad Hekselman, Julian Lage, Mike Moreno and Kurt Rosenwinkle.
In addition to having studied under notable jazz educator Dennis Sandole, Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in Jazz Guitar from Temple University in Philadelphia and his master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
Experience
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With his original jazz group, Aerial Photograph, Davis has released five full-length albums and performs regularly in and around the tristate area.
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As a guitarist, he has shared the stage with notable musicians such as Tyrone Brown, Jon Hollenbeck, Dave Liebman, Dick Oats, Odean Pope, Mickey Roker, the Silk Road Ensemble, Terrell Stafford, John Swana and many others.
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Davis has performed all over the world and has taught jazz workshops in the New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia regions, as well as in China, South Korea and the greater Mexico City region.
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He is also a published author, having had his writings on jazz music published in magazines such as Downbeat and Jazziz.
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Davis is currently endorsed by Godin Guitars.
Work
Awards & Accolades
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Davis has been hailed as “Inspired” by Downbeat magazine, “incredible” by the Philadelphia Daily News, and “eloquent” by JazzTimes.
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He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including grants from the American Composers Forum, ASCAP, Chamber Music America, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and the National Park Service.
Contact
mdavis@uarts.edu