Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Johnson.
Hi Matt, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My life has always revolved around music. I began piano lessons at the age 6 and was teaching privately by the time I turned 16. My education includes a Bachelor in Piano Performance and a Masters in Composition from New England Conservatory of Music. The son of a preacher man, my family of origin moved around the quite a lot. I’ve played for churches since the 6th grade, and eventually worked as Director of Musical Ministries for 30+ years in various congregations. Composing, arranging and recording music brings me joy. My recordings may be heard on all the current streaming platforms or on MattJohnsonRadio (https://www.internet-radio.com/station/mattjohnsonradio/). Information about one-on-one lessons may be found at www.MattJohnsonMusicStudio.com and my complete discography is archived on MusicBrainz (https://musicbrainz.org/artist/23d8458f-dcc0-4a51-9d09-af933af07eec).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Having adopted Alan Watts’ premise that “Life” is more like a “dance” than a “journey,” I would say that while my life hasn’t been a straight line, I’ve successfully continued dancing…and remain vertical.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My life’s work has revolved around performing, composing and recording my music. I’ve been fortunate to make my living as a musician by utilizing specialized skills. Like Bach, I’ve worked as a church musician—accompanying services on the organ/piano, as well as composing/arranging for vocal/handbell choirs and worship bands. Like Chopin, I’ve taught private music students—for almost five decades now—to “think like a composer” and understand the “limitations of the notation.” Like Beethoven, Liszt and many other composers, I’ve concertized and promoted my original works as a soloist or with an ensemble, including multiple orchestral appearances.
Being very detail-oriented, I like to think that I specialize in quality work in all that I do. In 1985, I founded my publishing company, “Dolce & Nuit Productions.” Since then, I’ve been in charge of composing, arranging, recording, sheet music, cover art, music videos, websites, archiving, etc.
Funny story: When I released my first album, “New Age” music was prominent. Since I wasn’t playing “classical” music and wasn’t a straight-ahead “jazzer,” I was labeled as a New Age artist and the label has stuck through the years. At least it distinguishes me from the multiple other musicians who share my name.
During my life, I’ve always composed music. Only recently have I’ve focused on archiving my creative works. At this point, I’m considered a “seasoned” composer with a “catalog” of works. I do experience a sense of joy when I allow myself to look back and remember the creations that have streamed through me.
I’m well aware that I am a mere pebble in the eons of time. Yet, pebbles make up the future grains of sand. The musical and creative works created during my lifetime represent the granular trail of my existence, and will hopefully remain long after I’m gone.
This Wikipedia-like page contains more information if your readers are interested in learning more:
https://ipfs.io/ipfs/bafybeia7vsmaod6km2ycaztmrbjyl3gw5kxdu6a4joymtlyzxhwwpu6e2a
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I realized early on to create music that speaks to me—and to not worry too much about other people’s subjective opinions. Also, it is clear to me that everyone is “creative” in their chosen areas of interest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MattJohnsonMusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ MattJohnsonMusic.x - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/MattJohnsonMusicx - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/@MattJohnsonMusicx - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjohnsonmusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/MattJohnsonNFTs
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mattjohnsonmusic_pianist
- Other: https://ipfs.io/ipfs/bafybeihpmklb6zf32lfjvfgmr6fm4p7nvanvwwyzydwexeisfhqtwvmq2m
Image Credits
Photo: JBlautPhoto
