8 | Freelancing with Matt Andreini

In todays podcast we talk with Professor Matt Andreini about studying music abroad and freelancing after college.

 

Matthew Andreini is a highly versatile musician, known for his proficiency across a diverse range of genres. An in-demand performer, Andreini maintains an active performance career playing regularly in ensembles such as the wcfsymphony and Theater Cedar Rapids, and many orchestras throughout the Midwest. His dynamic career includes frequent solo appearances, dozens of concerti performances, as well as numerous international tours spanning Europe, Central, and South America. Notably, as a chamber musician he has shared the stage with acclaimed groups such as the Boston Brass and the Enso String Quartet. In the summers, Matt can often be found giving outdoor concerts with his Rosewood Novelty Band, which performs “xylophone rags” and popular music of the teens and 20s. He is also a member of the Sugar Daddies big band which has added several of Andreini’s own arrangements to their repertoire. As an advocate for contemporary music, Andreini spearheads innovative initiatives, commissioning works for solo, duo, and percussion ensembles. His collaborations with acclaimed composers like Steve Snowden, Ivan Trevino, Mark Ford, and Kevin Bobo have been instrumental in bringing new compositions to life. Recently, he secured grant funding from the Iowa Arts Council/National Endowment for the Arts to record his upcoming album, "Tapestry," featuring a collection of his recent commissions. Co-directing the "Iowa/Hungary Project" alongside Hungarian percussionist Gabor Palotas, Andreini has established a platform for cultural exchange, commissioning and premiering over 50 works since its inception. This initiative underscores their commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and amplifying representation from local communities. In 2017, the duo celebrated a significant milestone with the release of their full-length CD, "All Systems Go." Andreini currently serves as a percussion instructor at the University of Northern Iowa and is the Personnel Manager for wcfsymphony where he also performs in the percussion section. His previous teaching positions include roles at Hawkeye Community College, Southwestern Community College, and Joyful Noise Drums and Percussion. The dedication he brings to teaching is evident in the success of his students, many of whom have excelled in competitions and pursued flourishing careers as both educators, performers, and industry leaders.

 

Tapestry | Matt Andreini