Matthew Holmes

Matthew Holmes is a faculty member at Shepherd University’s School of Music, where he teaches orchestral bass and jazz bass. He also serves as the Assistant Band Director at Washington High School and provides private jazz improvisation, music theory, bass, and guitar lessons at Ellsworth School of Music in Ranson, WV. Holmes is an active freelance jazz bassist, performing at venues like Dizzy’s Club in New York City and Chris’s Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia.

• Education:
• Masters of Arts in Teaching, Shepherd University
• Bachelor of Music Performance: Jazz Studies (Summa Cum Laude), William Paterson University

His research interests focus on jazz pedagogy, music performance techniques, and the integration of jazz improvisation in educational settings. Holmes has collaborated with notable jazz figures such as Bill Charlap and Jeremy Pelt during his studies at William Paterson University.

He has received prestigious awards including the Dean’s Award for superior academics and the Outstanding Jazz Student award. Holmes’ work bridges academic teaching with professional performance, emphasizing experiential learning and community engagement.