Matthew Okun is a creative, thoughtful, and adventurous guitarist, composer, songwriter and improviser. Matthew has played guitar and bass for over 14 years, has self-recorded and released numerous albums both by himself and with various ensembles, and has gone on several tours in the U.S. Born in Needham MA, Matthew received a Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance in New England Conservatory’s Contemporary Improvisation department, where his private studies included studio lessons with Carla Kilhstedt, Anthony Coleman, and Joe Morris. 

Besides extensive experience as a private lesson teacher, Matthew taught self-created curriculum at the Charles River Creative Arts Program for many years, teaching classes such as n   Beyonce cover bands, funk groups, and large-scale guitar workshops, as well as jazz ensembles, song-writing, and experimental performance/sound art. Recently, he spearheaded a new, more contemporary program through Boston Public School’s Summer Early Focus Program, where he taught young summer school students how to express themselves by creating beats and electronic music on iPads.