Matthew Holmes
Matthew Holmes earned his Masters of Arts in Teaching from Shepherd University, and his Bachelor of Music Performance: Jazz Studies degree from William Paterson University. While at William Paterson, he had the opportunity to study under numerous jazz legends such as Bill Charlap, Jeremy Pelt, Vincent Herring, David Wong, Russell Malone, Steve LaSpina, Marcus McLaurine, Gene Bertoncini and Geoffrey Keezer, among others. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the Dean’s Award from the college of arts, humanities and education for superior academics and the Outstanding Jazz Student award from the department of Jazz Studies.
In addition to teaching orchestral bass and jazz bass at Shepherd, Holmes serves as Washington High School’s Assistant Band Director. He also teaches jazz improvisation, music theory, bass, and guitar lessons both privately and at Ellsworth School of Music in Ranson, WV. He continues to work as a freelance jazz bassist in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and he has performed at many prestigious jazz clubs such as Dizzy’s Club in New York City and Chris’s Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia.