Matthew Sear M.M., L.R.S.M., F.L.C.M. (b. 1975),
Matthew Sear is a London born composer and guitarist, noted for compositions and performances that borrow from a variety of musical styles.
Over the last several years, his pieces have drawn from an array of topics, ranging from 20th century North American life, to his most recent interest; music informed by social media conflict. He gave his London debut, (as both performer and composer) at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden (in 2006) and has since, performed at venues including; St John Smith’s Square, St James’ Piccadily, Hertford College (University of Oxford) and at 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 featured in magazines that include; Classical Guitar, Guitar Tutor 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
Whilst known mainly as a solo classical guitarist, Matthew also regularly performs as a jazz and freestyle guitarist and has performed with guitarists that have included: Howard Alden (Sweet and lowdown), John Etheridge and fusion guitarist, Martin Vishnick - he continues to experiment with improvisation, including elements in both his freestyle and classical performing.
Matthew’s own compositions concentrate on solo instruments and small ensembles and have been broadcast on various mainstream amd independant radio stations and podcasts and have been performed at festivals including: The Edinburgh, Toronto, Brighton and Adelaide fringe festivals - Melinda Hughes, (Broadwaybaby.com) writing in her Edinburgh fringe festival review…“...The America Suite contained both the bustling New York Metropolis and hints of Southern Bluegrass...exhilarating!”
A recent semi finalist in the Fidelio international composing competition, Matthew is currently studying with Dominic Murcott (head of composition, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance). 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. Matthew’s music is available on Spotify and Apple Music.
Education
After hearing a recording of Bach by the guitarist Yepes and also, the heavy metal album, The Ozzy Osbourne Randy Rhoads Tribute, Matthew began private classical guitar and piano lessons, aged 13 and 14, while also teaching himself composition and the electric guitar. He studied classical guitar and 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 under Bazz Elmes, guitar and composition under Dr Stephen Goss (on The University Of Surrey’s Masters degree programme), and subsequently, privately under senior Royal College Of Muisc professor Carlos Bonell, gaining a Fellowship with the London College Of Music in classical guitar performance.
Following the death of his mother in 2014, Matthew developed a fascination with sacred Christian music; studying the organ for two years at St Giles In The Field, London, under music director Johnathan Bunney and in 2016, after the U.K referendum result, Matthew composed his first piece informed by social media conflict ‘The System Has Crashed’ for pipe organ - a piece written to reflect the social media backlash of each opposing side. An advocate for life long learning, Matthew continues to read and study music.
