Dr. Matthew Warnock
Dr. Matt Warnock is a jazz guitarist, educator, author, and performer with more than 25 years of teaching and performing experience. Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Matt has built an international career helping musicians develop creativity, confidence, and practical musicianship through jazz and improvisation.
Matt holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Illinois and has taught at institutions including Algoma University, Western Illinois University, Western Michigan University, the University of Illinois, the University of Chester, Leeds Conservatoire, and Interlochen Arts Camp. He also served as a Senior Examiner for the London College of Music, conducting guitar and jazz examinations throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Cyprus.
As a performer, Matt has appeared at jazz festivals, concert halls, universities, and clubs throughout North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. His performance credits include appearances at venues such as Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and major festivals and educational events throughout Canada, Brazil, the United States, and Europe. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with internationally recognized artists including Stefon Harris, Fred Hersch, Billy Hart, Conrad Herwig, Jim McNeely, and Darmon Meader.
A lifelong student of music, Matt has also lived, taught, studied, and performed in Brazil and taught in Nepal, experiences that continue to influence his approach to rhythm, improvisation, and global music traditions. His work in Brazilian music has become a significant part of both his performing and teaching career.
In addition to his teaching and performing work, Matt has released numerous recordings as a leader, co-leader, and sideman, with projects spanning jazz, Brazilian music, and contemporary improvisation.
Matt is the founder of Matt Warnock Guitar (MWG), one of the world's leading online jazz guitar education communities. Through MWG, he has created hundreds of educational resources, taught thousands of students from more than 100 countries, and helped musicians around the world develop their skills as performers and improvisers.
Locally, Matt serves as Director of the MWG International Jazz Guitar Summit, which brings musicians from around the world to Sault Ste. Marie for performance, education, and community-building through music.
As a teacher, Matt believes that music should be engaging, creative, and accessible. His lessons focus on listening, repertoire, improvisation, performance skills, and helping students discover their own musical voice in a supportive learning environment.
Subjects Taught: Jazz Guitar, Improvisation (All Styles), Bossa Nova & Brazilian Guitar