El Encanto

Photo by Mark Simons

Fluid technical command, natural expressivity and a remarkable versatility distinguish guitarist Matthew Greif, who has performed internationally. Matthew is very excited to be the newest member of the Grammy-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Previously, Matthew was a member of the Falla Guitar Trio. In the past he has performed and/or recorded with a wide range of musicians, including classical guitarist Scott Tennant and the legendary Chet Atkins.

Matthew's critically-acclaimed debut recording, Permanent Transition, features the world premieres of intemationally-influenced modern guitar compositions as well as duo improvisations with Andrew York of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and guitarist/composer Dusan Bogdanovic. Matthew also recorded a duet with Scott Tennant for his Delos recording Wild Mountain Thyme.

Matthew's second recording, El Encanto, features favorites of the classical guitar repertoire.

His latest recording, Circle, is a modern jazz recording, featuring mostly original compositions. Playing on the album with Matthew are the extraordinary talents Ric Fierabracci (Chick Corea) on bass, and drummers Walter Rodriguez and Cougar Estrada (Los Lobos).

Matthew has taught guitar at several schools in the past, including the University of Southern California, Cal Poly - San Luis Obisbo, Santa Barbara City College, and Ventura College. He teaches presently at El Camino college in the Los Angeles area.

Raised in a family of musicians, Matthew's early musical education took place on many instruments, in many musical styles. It was finally the guitar which captured his full attention. His awards include the Andres Segovia Award presented at the University of Southern California, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and first place in the American String Teachers Association California Guitar competition. Matthew was also named Outstanding Graduate of the U.S.C. guitar department upon completion of his Master's and Bachelor's degrees. His main teachers were William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant, and James Smith. Prior to his studies at U.S.C., Matthew studied with Ann Waller at Northwestern University. He began his classical guitar studies with Michael Fowler of the University of Tulsa. Matthew has also studied in masterclasses with David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Manuel Barrueco, and many others. He spent two summers studying in Spain with José Tomás and Pepe Romero. He has studied improvisation with Joe Diorio, Mark Pratt and Frank Potenza.