Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Music Teachers
20 December, 2023
Rockschool Stories: Matt Sofianos’ Rocking Journey
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In the world of music education, stories as inspiring as the one of Matt Sofianos are definitely worth reading. Meet Matt, a guitar virtuoso turned teacher who has dedicated his life to the strings. This new entry in our Rockschool Stories series shines the spotlight on Matt, who not only mastered the guitar but also made the bold leap from a corporate career to pursue his true passion: teaching guitar and bass, using the Rockschool syllabus.
From Early Curiosity to Lifelong Passion
Matt’s love for playing the guitar began before he was nine. “I was obsessed with the guitar before my 9th birthday!” he recalls. This early fascination turned into a lifelong commitment, leading him to pivot from a career in corporate HR to teaching music. “Playing guitar has had many different functions for me, so there’s always been a reason to focus on it” Matt reflects on his musical evolution.
Teaching Music: Challenges and Triumphs
Matt’s transition to music teaching wasn’t without its hurdles. After teaching guitar abroad, he doubted the viability of a music teaching career upon returning to the UK. Yet, the lockdown period became a catalyst for change. “With my wife’s encouragement, I tried it out” he shares, highlighting the perseverance needed to build a student base from scratch.
The Landscape of Music Education
When asked about the current state of music education, Matt is optimistic. “The opportunities for music education are more varied now” he says, contrasting today’s diverse learning paths with the classical tuition of his youth.
Embracing Rockschool’s Approach
Matt’s adoption of the Rockschool syllabus is a tale of affinity and appreciation. “I took my Grade 8s in Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, and Bass in 2022” he says. Drawn by its content and structure, Matt finds Rockschool’s approach the most practical and rigorous.
Student Perspectives: Ben and Malachy chime in
Ben, a student of Matt’s, began his guitar journey during lockdown. He finds playing music a fulfilling escape and values the diversity of Rockschool’s syllabus. “The combination of written materials with interactive audio is really helpful” he notes. Ben admires Matt’s energy and patience, highlighting how he’s been introduced to various guitarists and genres.
Malachy, who switched from guitar to bass, praises the variety in Rockschool’s pieces. “My teacher is very good at giving specific advice that helps me play better” he says, emphasising the personalised attention he receives.
Inspired by the work Matt and his students are doing together? You can find him and other music teachers using our “Find a Teacher” tool:
What’s your favourite performance piece to teach, and how does it improve your learners?
Matt’s favourite pieces to teach, like “Green Onions” and “Shallow,” are chosen for their ability to develop specific skills in his students. His approach to teaching is tailored to individual learning styles and incorporates technology and online resources effectively. “The Learning Platform is a great resource, and I use it all the time” he affirms.
Feeling inspired? You can discover more about Rockschool Guitar Grades here:
Learn to Play the Guitar with Rockschool
Looking back, Looking forward…
Looking ahead, Matt aims to expand his teaching to include the RSL Classical Violin syllabus. He cherishes memories like touring Europe as a bass player, emphasising the importance of such milestones. His advice to aspiring guitarists?
“Give me a call, and I’ll teach you everything you want to know!”
It all comes down to Rockschool!
Both Matt and his students testify to the comprehensive nature of the Rockschool syllabus. “It enables students to develop their musical strengths while giving plenty of opportunities to strengthen their weaknesses” Matt states. Ben and Malachy echo this sentiment, with Ben aiming for his Grade 2 Electric Guitar exam and Malachy preparing for his Grade 6 Bass exam.
Strumming to Success
Matt Sofianos’ journey with Rockschool is not just about teaching chords and melodies. It’s about nurturing a love for music and empowering students with the skills and confidence to express their musical voices. His story, along with Ben and Malachy’s experiences, resonates with the harmony of dedication, adaptability, and the transformative power of music education.
If you have your own Rockschool Story to tell, get in touch with us at marketing@rslawards.com!
Inspired by the work Matt and his students are doing together? You can find him and other music teachers using our “Find a Teacher” tool:
