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 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 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
Whilst known mainly as a solo classical guitarist, Matthew also performs as a jazz and freestyle guitarist, performing with a variety of 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’s own compositions concentrate on solo instruments and small ensembles and have been broadcast on various radio and podcast shows. These have included: BBC Radio Kent, SW1 FM, ‘Strings Of Thought’ and the popular tv show/podcast, ‘The Latest News’. In addition to live broadcasts, they have also received performances at various British venues; including the 1901 Arts Club, St Martin In The Field and The Brighton and Edinburgh fringe festivals and internationally; most notably at the Toronto and Adelaide fringe festivals.
Reviewing Belgium classical guitarist Jonathan Pragg’s performance of Matthew’s piece ‘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 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). He 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 a recording of J.S. Bach’s lute suites, 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 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 under Bazz Elmes and guitar and composition, under Dr Stephen Goss (on The University Of Surrey’s Masters degree programme). Upon graduation, he studied subsequently as a private student under Royal College Of Music professor and renowned concert guitarist Carlos Bonell, culminating in a Fellowship in classical guitar performance, the London College Of Music’s highest award. Today he is listed today, as a former “distinguished pupil'“ of the maestro.
Following the death of his mother in 2014, Matthew developed an interest in sacred Christian music; studying the organ for two years at St Giles In The Field, London, under organist Johnathan Bunney - In 2016, after the U.K referendum result, he 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.
Matthew is currently creating a new body of work, informed by social media conflict, under the supervision of Dominic Murcott (Trinity Laban Conservatoire). The second piece in the series, Three Altercations For Piano, will be released on Apple Music, from August 2019.
