University of Rochester

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Matthew James Pivec
Organization: Butler University School of Music
Title: Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Studies
Program Graduation: MM, DMA, ALP Certificate 2006
Musical Studies: Saxophone
Musical Specialties: Jazz, Large Ensemble
Non-Musical Specialties: Education
Quote: “My experiences in the IML helped me to not only envision possibilities, but also practical strategies as to how to bring those to life.”

Bio:

As a performer of jazz and popular music, Matt Pivec has worked with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Ana Gasteyer, Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Steve Allee, Ana Gasteyer, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. As a band leader, Matt has three albums to his credit, Live at Snider Hall, Psalm Songs and Time and Direction. Matt is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Butler University. Since his arrival in 2008, Butler ensembles have performed with world-renowned guest artists such as Cécile McLorin-Salvant, Sullivan Fortner, John Clayton, Benny Golson, Stefon Harris, Maria Schneider, Kurt Elling, and Christian McBride. Under his direction, in 2020, the Butler University Jazz Ensemble won the Downbeat Student Music Awards Undergraduate Large Ensemble Category and was selected to perform at the Midwest Clinic in 2023. Since 2009, Matt founded the Butler Youth Jazz Program, Butler Summer Jazz Camp and the Benny Golson Jazz Festival.