Department:
Music

Biography:
Saxophonist Matt Pivec has performed with some of the great artists of jazz and popular music, including: Ray Charles, The Temptations, Peter Erskine, Maria Schneider, the Rochester Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, and the national touring companies of Hairspray, 42nd Street, and The Producers. As a band leader and soloist, Matt has performed at festivals and venues throughout the United States. Equally adept as a classical saxophonist, he collaborated with composer Michael Cunningham on a 1999 recording of Cunningham's recital pieces for saxophone. During the project, Matt demonstrated his versatility by recording works on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. In 2003, he gave the world premiere performance of Michael Hay's "Blues in Three Parts."

Matt received the Doctor of Musical Arts (Saxophone Performance and Literature) and Master of Music (Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media) degrees from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. While at Eastman, Matt studied with Ramon Ricker and served as lead alto saxophone of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. He received several student honors including the outstanding blues/pop/rock soloist from Downbeat magazine, the Arts Leadership Certificate, and the outstanding Teaching Assistant award. Matt received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. There, he served as lead alto saxophone of the nationally acclaimed Jazz Ensemble I, which was recognized twice as the top collegiate jazz ensemble by Downbeat Magazine.

Currently, Matt is the Coordinator of Jazz Studies at California State University, Stanislaus. Prior to his appointment, he taught at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin-Stout. A committed educator, Matt enjoys teaching saxophone and jazz to students of all ages.

Academic Credentials:
Bachelor of Music Education: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Master of Music (Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media): Eastman School of Music

Doctor of Musical Arts (Saxophone Performance and Literature): Eastman School of Music

Area of expertise:
Jazz Studies, Saxophone Performance

What have you learned from your students?
I have been extremely fortunate to teach general education courses to a diverse (both in culture and age) group of students. From the older students, I have learned that one's life can continually be enriched through education. I am completely inspired by my students who are mothers, fathers, and even grandmothers. They successfully maintain family obligations while pursuing an education. I have also learned a great deal about the many diverse cultures in the Central Valley.

Why do students choose CSU Stanislaus?
Students in the Department of Music generally make their decision to attend CSU Stanislaus based on a positive experience with a faculty member. The faculty members of the Department of Music work quite hard to interact with potential students. Summer camp, Choral Festival, Band and Orchestra Festival, and Jazz Festival all provide opportunities for extensive interaction between potential students and faculty. Location and cost are important factors as well.

How do students succeed in your class?
On a general level, succeeding in my classes is very simple. A student needs to show up, pay attention, and work hard. More specifically, I think the successful student engages the material on a personal level. He or she asks questions or even presents alternative points of view.

What brought you to CSU Stanislaus?
There are three primary reasons why I was drawn to CSU Stanislaus. First and foremost, my colleagues in the Department of Music are excellent. They are all highly skilled musicians and strive to provide our students with the best possible education. Second, there was the opportunity to create and build a jazz studies program. Third, the students generally appeared to be open-minded and hard-working. I was correct in my assessment of the students. I have truly enjoyed teaching here.

If you were not teaching, what other career do you see yourself in?
If I were not teaching full-time at the University level, I would probably be working as a freelance professional musician in either New York or Los Angeles.

E-mail Address:
mpivec@csustan.edu