Mat Fieldes has a Masters degree in Classical Double Bass performance from The Juilliard School. After finishing his studies in ???, he stayed on in New York working in the classical, jazz and contemporary worlds and also on Broadway. In his 25 years in the Big Apple, Mat played with some of the world's finest musicians including Jay Z, Gorillaz, Pete Townshend, Hugh Jackman, Ornette Coleman and Joe Zawinul. He’s played on four Grammy-nominated albums, with Joe Jackson's Symphony No. 1 winning Best Pop Instrumental at the 2001 Grammys.

Outside his performing career, Mat taught double bass, electric bass and electric, acoustic and classical guitar at the prestigious Horace Mann School in Riverdale, New York. Since returning to New Zealand in 2019, Mat has worked with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, led ‘The Committee’ at the Wellington Jazz Festival - and was a soloist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the 2020 New Zealand Festival. He teaches privately and also at Saint Kentigern College, King’s College Conservatorium of Music and Auckland Grammar School.

+ What I can teach you?

I started as a guitarist then moved to bass when I realised it was more suited to my personality. Studying, then working and living in New York City, I learnt you always say yes to a job (everyone needs a bass player!). And so I’ve played in almost every musical genre you can think of from Dixie to bluegrass to jazz to blues to country to rock; from pop to hip hop to Asian and Middle Eastern… to tango to microtonal to contemporary to classical to baroque (and probably a few more I'm forgetting). I’m lucky enough to have played with some of the best musicians on the planet. My background – both in teaching and performance – has given me the ability to adapt to each student and create a course which aligns with their musical interests, personality and goals.

+ My teaching style

My teaching style has three pillars:

• I conduct technical exercises such as simple finger studies and scales, reading music and interpreting chord charts. As a guitarist or a bass player you’re asked to make your own part out of a chord chart with minimal information.
• I'll teach you the theory behind the harmony involved and how to construct your own part. And improvise.
• Finally, I place considerable importance on learning how to read music. It's the best way I know to teach you the names of the notes on the neck of your instrument.

+ My first significant musical moment

My mother first took me to see the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra when I was four years old. I remember focusing on the bass section, even though it’d be many years before I picked up a double bass.

Mum was a piano teacher and so I hated playing piano but music was everywhere. Saturday nights at 6pm was Ready To Roll time. Kiss’ 'I Was Made For Lovin’ You Baby' made a huge impression on me (even if my younger sister hid behind the couch whenever Gene stuck out his tongue!). Still, I never thought I’d be a musician until I played in the National Youth Orchestra’s performance of Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe in 1990. I'd also started playing jazz gigs around town with Nathan Haines. That was the year that changed my destiny and ultimately landed me in New York.

+ Most enduring influence

I learnt a lot from Nathan Haines. Other major influences include my first bass teacher Kenny Pearson RIP, and my teacher at The Juilliard School, Eugene Levinson. I was blessed to work with Joe Zawinul and Ornette Coleman, two of the most influential musicians of the past hundred years. But for truly inspiring showmanship and bravado, it’s hard to look past my childhood favourites, Kiss and Queen.

+ Most thrilling gigs I've played

Probably Radio City Music Hall with Jay Z and Beyoncé“Truly dazzling… total goosebumps,” reported Village Voice. Five nights at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem with the Gorillaz was also incredible. And I still remember one particular gig with Nathan Haines and his brother Joel where we were just freely improvising, everyone in the room (including us) in a trance, hypnotised.

+ Who I’d most like to jam with

Top of my list would be Brian May and Roger Taylor. When Roger Waters left Pink Floyd I wanted to be their new bass player and even told Nick Mason that in person at my cousin's wedding! Ace Frehley also fascinates me, though I hear he's a bit moody now he's sober. 😉

+ Fave YouTube clip

Is it conceited to show something I'm playing on? I hope not - I'm just in the band! This is the incredible singer and fellow Juilliard alumni Morgan James. Enjoy!

Testimonials

Mat is a brilliant musician and performer who shares his profound talents with our school community with great humility and selflessness. He’s fiercely dedicated to the department and his students and instinctively knows how to challenge and reach a wide range of student abilities and personalities. Mat is organized and efficient, he communicates extremely well, and is always professional and tremendously kind. It was a pleasure to work with Mat as he brought not only wonderful musical talent, but also warmth and good cheer to our school. > Tim Ho, Head of Music, Horace Mann School, New York

Mat Fieldes is an extraordinarily gifted musician, a virtuosic performer, dedicated teacher, and wonderful human being. He has performed in concerts of The Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York and in our educational outreach programs. He is a superb communicator and educator as well as an amazing player. Wherever Mat is making music or teaching others, he is an asset. Anyone who has contact with him in any capacity is privileged and lucky > Dr. Joan Kretschmer, Artistic Director/Founder, The Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York