Matthew Parrish

Matthew Parrish is a Lecturer of Music at Princeton University, where he serves as Jazz Bass Instructor and Small Ensemble Director within the Department of Music in the School of Arts and Sciences. A highly respected figure in the jazz world, Parrish brings decades of professional performance experience to his teaching.

He studied Jazz Performance at Rutgers University under renowned bassists Carolyn Davis, Larry Ridley, and Charles Fambrough, after switching from trumpet to bass right before his audition.

Parrish's musical expertise spans jazz performance, composition, arrangement, and production. His teaching focuses on jazz bass technique, ensemble performance, and the interpretive aspects of jazz. With over sixty recordings to his credit, he embodies the connection between professional practice and academic instruction in music.

His recent recordings demonstrate versatility across vocal jazz, instrumental jazz, Brazilian-influenced styles, and traditional jazz forms. These works showcase his strong bass foundation, collaborative spirit, and ability to adapt to diverse musical contexts while maintaining his distinctive voice.

• Performed with jazz legends including Regina Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Houston Person
• Recorded over sixty works including his debut album 'Circles' (2000)
• Active international performer across the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America

Parrish mentors students through master classes, lectures, and private instruction across the United States. His teaching approach integrates decades of professional experience with structured musical education, emphasizing both technical proficiency and artistic expression. He has presented showcase concerts in the Philadelphia area featuring diverse musical concepts from traditional jazz to Brazilian 'jungle jazz.'

As a producer, Parrish has worked on vocal productions ranging from Blossom Dearie-esque works to powerful ballads, demonstrating his versatility beyond performance.