Matt Shulman

Alberto Vilar Global Fellow in the Performing Arts, Music Performance

Matt Shulman offers a truly unique world of sound. Hailed by The New York Times as "A new voice from jazz's emerging generation…playing at an extraordinary high level…an individual voice…with technical ability, confidence, imagination and distinction," Matt made his Carnegie Hall main stage debut as guest soloist with the New York Pops Orchestra in April 2002. As one of today's most creative trumpet players, Matt Shulman is building on a tradition of improvisation from Bach to Charlie Parker to Lester Bowie. He draws from a wide range of textures, moving from trance inducing grooves, to chamber improvisation, to music that swings hard.

Possessing a broad palette, Matt has toured internationally, recorded and/or collaborated with such diverse artists as: Joe Lovano, John Medeski, the Complexions Dance Company, Skitch Henderson, Joey Baron, Eric Reed, Kenny Werner, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Seamus Blake, and Nneena Freelon. Matt is also the recipient of numerous top prizes and awards including being named Runner-up in the 1997 Thelonius Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition, and Winner of both the International Trumpet Guild's and National Trumpet Competition's Jazz Improvisation divisions. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Matt has extensive experience as an educator as well, having conducted clinics and masterclasses at jazz programs across the United States.

In addition to his work as a performer, Matt Shulman has developed and patented the Shulman System for Brass, a breakthrough invention which is currently endorsed by many of today's leading instrumentalists. He has also taken the technique of multi-phonics for the trumpet to an unprecedented level, utilizing his voice while simultaneously playing the instrument. Matt's invention, and pioneering techniques have led him to a personal approach to the art of unaccompanied solo and trio improvisation, for which he has recently embarked on writing a method book. The Shulman System Band CD While We Sleep is the first documentation of this approach, set against a panoramic dream-scape.

Consistently in pursuit of new ideas and developments, Matt is a student of body-alignment, meditation, and developing human potential. His passion for the discovery of new horizons and the desire to share his findings make him a highly effective communicator with audiences. Matt currently fronts a series of original projects in New York City, where he has resided since 1997. For more information on his recordings, invention, performances, and publications, visit www.shulmansystem.com.