I highly recommend Matthew for his exceptional skills and dedication as a saxophone instructor. He is adept at tailoring lessons to individual needs, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace. His enthusiasm and passion for music create a positive and engaging learning environment. Under his guidance, students not only improve their technical skills but also develop a genuine love for creating music.

- Dr. Joe Girard, Associate Professor of Saxophone at the Schwob School of Music, Tenor Chair of Sinta Quartet

I started band with the mindset that I would never really be good, that it was just something to pass the time. All the way until my 10th grade year, when I lost my grandad, I had that mindset. My grandfather loved music, that was his safe space. Quickly after losing him, saxophone became my safe place. It was my safe place, but I always felt insecure because I was never really good at it. I went to my band director and he recommended I take private lessons. I started taking lessons with Matthew and I learned more than just how to play the saxophone. I learned how to change my mindset, how to fall in love with the saxophone, and how to be confident in myself.

I remember during one lesson, I was struggling with connecting my emotions with the piece I was playing. Matthew told me, “Music is not just notes on a page. Music is three parts. The player, the audience, and the paper. You can’t have one without the other. Stop just playing notes on a page and make something out of it. It’s up to you to choose what kind of connection you make to the music.” That helped me all throughout my high school career. Learning how to not just play music, but mentally connect with the audience and the music itself led me to be a better player than I ever could imagine.

Confidence was my biggest struggle alongside of keeping time. Matthew taught me that you are only as good as you think you are. That quickly changed my perspective of myself when it came to music.

Even though it was annoying, Matthew would often make me sit there for our whole hour clapping and counting out my music, making me restart if I got off beat. I didn’t know it then, but that made my understanding of rhythm and time grow deeper.

Now as I graduate high school, sitting first chair alto in symphonic band and jazz band, with multiple solos, I often reflect on how much improvement I’ve made. Yes, I put in the hard work to get to where I am, but I couldn’t have done it without the support from Matthew. When I doubted myself, he never once doubted me. Every time I said, “I can’t,” he said, “You can.” Matthew is so much more than just an instructor but also a mentor, a hard worker, and eager to share his passion for the saxophone with others.

Matthew’s passion for the saxophone has become rooted in me, as I go to college in hopes to share my love for music as well.

People often say that you will quickly forget the teachers you had in high school. Matthew is an exception. He taught me more than I could ever be taught in a band class. His dedication to his students is what makes me the great player I am today. For that, I could never forget that. No amount of, “Thank you’s” could cover the amount of gratitude I have for Matthew and his teaching. I am forever grateful to be one of his students and to be great at what I love: the saxophone.

- McKenzye Esco, former student, Music Education Major at Troy University

Matthew has worked with our students through private lessons, chamber ensembles, and group instruction. All of our students who worked with Matthew improved. His approach focuses on improving each individual to their fullest potential. I am thankful our students had the opportunity to work with such an outstanding saxophonist!

- Gene Butler, Director of Bands at Smiths Station High School

Matthew Siegmund was my private instructor during my senior year of high school and has continued to be a mentor to me in my college career. Mr. Siegmund’s instruction has always been insightful and specific to my pedagogical needs. His feedback has been incredibly useful and helped me in my preparations for honor bands and collegiate auditions. Furthermore, Mr. Siegmund has proven his qualifications to teach by displaying his proficiency on the concert stage. Having listened to his playing as a soloist, chamber musician, and jazz musician, I can confidently say that I have been under good mentorship. I highly recommend Matthew Siegmund as an educator and performer.

- Davis Hill, former student, Music Education Major at the Schwob School of Music

My time with Matthew as my teacher in high school was a huge contributor to my success at a collegiate level. He had a very good way of setting me up for the future, even from day one of lessons! His comments were concise, short, and articulate; that have me more time to play things for him. In the single year he taught me, I placed first in my state and managed to be accepted with a good scholarship at my local college. The results speak for themselves! Matthew is an excellent teacher.

- Solomon Heinkel, former student, Music Performance Major at the University of North Alabama