Olson, Matthew

"I’ve has been teaching music in Saint Paul for 16 years, but this is my first year at Gordon Parks! In my piano and guitar classes, I focus on teaching music chosen by the students, whether it be hip-hop, rap, RNB, popular, classical, or traditional cultural styles of music. I try to teach with the backdrop of beat making and music production in mind at all times. Music is part of all of our daily lives, so when making the jump from being a listener, to the role of being a performer or composer, we can ask ourselves questions like—When we listen to a song, what do we hear? How was this song written and recorded? What is the role of the keyboard or guitar in this beat?

Outside of school I love playing music! I’ve performed in styles ranging from singing with the Minnesota Opera to playing onstage with my bands at venues like First Avenue. I also run a recording studio where I produce my own music and record other artists. Music has been such a special part of my life and such an important aspect of building my community, and I want every young person to experience that opportunity if it’s something they want to do!"