Instructor Biographies

Matt Hopper, Bass

Matt Hopper was born and raised in Indiana. He started playing electric bass at age 13, studying mostly rock while in high school. Matt played with a number of different bands in Central Indiana including rock, punk, and R & B bands. Picking up the double bass at age 21, Matt immediately joined a bluegrass band with which he played for over five years in Northern California.

In 1997, Matt began studying music formally at Humboldt State University. During the next four years, Matt studied bass with John Brecher and played in a number of ensembles including the Humboldt State Symphony, AM Jazz Big Band, PM Jazz Big Band, Jazz Combos, Vocal Jazz, Percussion Ensemble, and various chamber groups. Matt was principal of the bass section of the HSU Symphony from 2000-2002. He also tutored students in theory and ear training from 1999-2002, and taught at the Sequoia Music Workshop from 2000-2002.

Upon graduation, Matt moved to Durango, Colorado where he maintained a private teaching studio and played with the San Juan Symphony, Four Corners Chamber Orchestra, and freelanced with numerous jazz and rock bands. Matt performed with the Jeff Solon Quartet at the Telluride Jazz Festival in 2002 and 2003, as well as being a first call bass player for studio sessions including Jeff Solon, Jeff Sweet, Richard White, Ryan McCurdy, and two records with early country favorites The Brown Brothers.

Matt moved to Seattle in 2003, where he plays in numerous jazz groups including Motel 5, New Architects, Card Hopper Smith Trio, and PGM Trio. He also plays traditional Latin and Brazilian music in the Adam Hunter Band, and plays electric bass in The Beautiful Confusion. Matt joined the Seattle Rock Orchestra last year. He has also recorded with a number of local artists including Jean Mann, Wayne Horovitz, and The Beautiful Confusion. Matt has been teaching privately for over ten years and has worked at Hammond Ashley Violins for more than six years.

For more information and scheduling please email Matt at sales@hammondashley.com.