Matthew Sear (b. 1975),
Matthew Sear is a London born composer and guitarist noted for compositions and performances that draw from a variety of musical styles. Over the last several years, his pieces have been informed by an array of topics, ranging from 20th century North American life, to his most recent interest; social media conflict.
Matthew gave his London debut, (as both performer and composer) at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden (in 2006) and has since, performed as a guitarist/composer at venues including; St John Smith’s Square, St James’ Piccadilly, Hertford College (University of Oxford) and St Martin In The Field's 'Series For Young Composers'.
In addition to performances in his native country, Matthew has toured extensively, giving performances in Spain, Sweden and North America and has featured in magazines that include; Classical Guitar, Guitar Tutor, We Are Cult and the American classical music publication Fanfare, the later praising both the compositions and performances (on his recording of Portraits Of North America and Britten’s Nocturnal, after John Dowland), writing…
“Sear has the measure of the music…control and pace. A fine composer and guitarist”. Fanfare 2014
Matthew’s compositions have been performed at the 1901 Arts Club, St James’s Church and St Martin In The Field - and internationally, at festivals including;: The Brighton, Edinburgh, Toronto and Adelaide fringe festivals. Reviewing the Belgium classical guitarist Jonathan Pragg’s performance of Matthew’s composition ‘Portraits Of North America’ (for guitar), Melinda Hughes from Broadwaybaby.com wrote…
The America Suite contained both the bustling New York Metropolis and hints of Southern Bluegrass...exhilarating!” Broadwaybaby 2013
A keen improviser, Matthew has performed and collaborated with musicians that have included; jazz guitarist Howard Alden (Sweet and lowdown), fusion guitarist John Etheridge, Gypsy Jazz Secrets writer Tim Robinson and classical fusion guitarist, Martin Vishnick.
Matthew lives in SE London, with his wife Suzanne and their King Charles Spaniel Ellie. Interests outside of composition, include; Judaism, premiere league football, Autism, film, psychology and the search for extra terrestrial intelligence. He is a proud performer for the charity 'Music In Hospitals and Care.
Education
After hearing recording of J.S. Bach’s lute suites, by the guitarist Yepes and also - and the heavy metal album, The Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads Tribute, at aged 13, Matthew was inspired to begin private classical guitar and piano lessons, teaching himself composition and the electric guitar.
He studied classical guitar and the piano as an undergraduate at The Guildhall School Of Music - and subsequently, under the supervision of composer and guitarist Dr Martin Vishnick, gaining Licentiates in classical guitar performance from both the London College and Royal Schools of Music. As a post graduate, Matthew studied orchestration privately under Bazz Elmes and guitar and composition formally, under Dr Stephen Goss at The University Of Surrey, where he also received masterclasses with the composers John Casken and film composer Gabriel Yared.
After completing his Masters Degree, he studied the guitar as a private student, under Royal College Of Music professor, guitarist Carlos Bonell, culminating in a Fellowship in classical guitar performance, (the London College Of Music’s highest award) and subsequently as a private composition student, under Dominic Murcott (head of composition, at Trinity Laban Conservatoire), studying contemporary composition.
Matthew is currently creating a new body of work under the supervision of Gywn Pritchard, studying for an Advanced Diploma in composition, at Trinity Laban. Matthew specialises in writing for solo instruments and small ensembles.
