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  • Dr Matthew Styles at ECU's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

    Dr Matthew Styles (Image - Nic Babic Photography)

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Dr Matthew Styles

Senior Lecturer

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 6065
Email: m.styles@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Mount Lawley  
Room: ML2.111  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4432-8684

Matt is the coordinator of Bachelor of Music Honours, head of cross-genre saxophone studies and Lecturer in Contemporary Music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Background

Dr. Matt Styles has built a local and international career as a classical, jazz and ‘cross-over’ saxophonist, performing and teaching in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia. With more than 25 years teaching at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, Matt specializes in the interpretation,  pedagogy and performance of classical, jazz and multi-genre or ‘cross-over’ works. The Western Australian, Singapore & Tasmanian Symphony and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s also utilize Matthew as their principal saxophonist.

In 2004 Matthew received a Churchill  Fellowship focusing on jazz and classical pedagogical and performance studies with Dr Otis Murphy and Dr Tom Walsh, Dr. Eugene Rousseau. Currently Dr Styles is Head of Classical and cross-genre saxophone department, leads 4th year Contemporary ensembles (Popular music. RnB, Soul  and Fusion music), teaches Contemporary Music research, is Head of the Honours in Music program and supervises Honours, Master’s and Doctoral students.

In 2008, Styles completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts at UWA discussing Schuller’s idea of Third Stream Music and the cross-genre works of Mark-Anthony Turnage. He has presenting his findings throughout Australia and Asia and more recently, has been investigating a holistic approach to saxophone  injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Awards and recognition

National and International awards

  • 2004 Churchill Fellowship

Research ares and interests

Dr Styles has research interests in cross-genre saxophone pedagogy, performance and interpretation techniques, as well as Third Stream Music categorisation and saxophone injury rehabilitation and prevention.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Music with Second Class Honours, The University of Western Australia.
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40116, Other WA registered training organisation, 2023.
  • Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, Edith Cowan University, 2013.
  • Doctor of Musical Arts, The University of Western Australia, 2008.

Research Outputs

2022

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2022). The ‘unrestricted’ Saxophone ensemble. [musicical performance]. Matt Styles.
  • Styles, M. (2022). Night Music in Madrid: Cimarosa Concerto. [Musical Performance]. Government House Ballroom.

2021

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2021). Four pictures From New York. [Musical Performance]. Shenton Arts Arena.
  • Styles, M. (2021). Mementi World Premiere performance and Studio recording. [musical performance and album recording]. Richard Gill Auditorium and Callaway Music Studios (Perth).

2020

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2020). Three Colombian Scenes: Concertino for saxophone and symphonic wind orchestra by Victoriano Valencia. [Musical Performance]. Perth Concert Hall, Perth, Western Australia.

2019

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2019). Seasons of Life. Churchlands Senior High School Concert Hall.

2018

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2018). Shanghai American School Middel School Composition Project - Family Mart. Matt Styles.
  • Styles, M. (2018). Best of Bernstein. Pete Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M. (2018). Tenacity. Tallis Room, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

2017

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2017). One for saxophone and CD. Astute Music.
  • Styles, M. (2017). Saxology; Home by 11. ABC Classical FM.

2016

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2016). Nemesis. St Patrick’s Basilica, Fremantle.
  • Styles, M. (2016). Adaptation of Symphonic Orchestral Performance Practices for the saxophone. Dewan Filharmonik, Malaysia.

2015

Journal Articles

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2015). WASO: Ravel's Bolero - Saxophone. Perth Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M. (2015). Mix't Trio - Cappuccino Concerts. Peppermint Grove Library.

2014

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2014). Jinga, saxophone ensemble score. Royal Northern College of Music.
  • Styles, M. (2014). Pixar in Concert with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Dewan Filharmonik, Kuala Lumpur.
  • Styles, M., Scott, A., Bernard, S. (2014). Rite of Passage: Arrivee - Musical Director. WAAPA Music Auditorium.
  • Styles, M., Pinto, A., Tanner, P. (2014). Mix't Trio Recital. Music Auditorium, WAAPA.
  • Styles, M. (2014). Escapades. Music Auditorium, WAAPA.
  • Styles, M. (2014). Bernstein and Gershwin: WASO Classics 2. Perth Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M. (2014). Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances. Perth Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M. (2014). Fearful Symmetries, Hidden Love Song. Astor Theatre.
  • Styles, M. (2014). Principal Saxophonist for WASO's Romeo and Juliet. Perth Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M. (2014). Bizet L’Arlésienne - Principal Saxophonist. Perth Concert Hall.

2013

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M., Pinto, A., Tanner, P. (2013). Mix't Trio at Carey Baptist College. Carey Baptist College Auditorium, Harrisdale.
  • Styles, M. (2013). Compositional Techniques in Jinga (Rite of Passage). Royal Northern College of Music Concert Hall, Manchester.
  • Styles, M. (2013). Royal Northern College of Music Saxophone Day lecture recital. Royal Northern College of Music Concert Hall, Manchester.
  • Styles, M. (2013). The Wooden Prince. Perth Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M., Abbey, N., Perkins, M., Macdonald, G. (2013). Glyn MacDonald Group at the Ellington. Ellington Jazz Club, Perth.
  • Styles, M., Skinner, M., Pownall, L., McGowan, K., Boyd, A. (2013). Five Sax Orchestra at the Ellington. Ellington Jazz Club, Perth.
  • Styles, M., Pinto, A., Tanner, P. (2013). Mix't Trio - Chamber Jam. Ellington Jazz Club, Perth.
  • Styles, M., Skinner, M., Pownall, L., McGowan, K., Boyd, A. (2013). Five Sax Orchestra. Ellington Jazz Club, Perth.
  • Styles, M., Pinto, A., Tanner, P. (2013). Mix't Trio - Integration. St Georges Hall, St George's College, Perth.
  • Styles, M. (2013). Saxophone embouchure injury: multi-genre performance problems. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, NSW.
  • Styles, M., Pinto, A., Tanner, P. (2013). Mix't Trio at WAAPA. Music Auditorium, WAAPA.
  • Styles, M. (2013). Rite of Passage. WAAPA Music Auditorium.
  • Styles, M. (2013). Royal Northern College of Music Saxophone Day Massed Saxophone Orchestra. Royal Northern College of Mmusic Concert Hall, Manchester.

2012

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2012). Saxophone Showcase - Director. Music Auditorium, WAAPA.
  • Styles, M., Perissinotto, D. (2012). Churchill Fellowship Recital - Platti & Paulsson. St John's Anglican Church, Fremantle.
  • Styles, M. (2012). Bernstein's Prelude Fugue and Riffs. Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Styles, M., Tarr, C., Abby, N., Macdonald, G. (2012). Glyn MacDonald Quartet. The Bakery, Northbridge.
  • Styles, M., Pinto, A. (2012). Catalina, Nocturnal - Mixt. Byre Theatre, St. Andrew's, Scotland.
  • Styles, M. (2012). Carmichael, Travers and Debussy - Saxophone. The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle.
  • Styles, M. (2012). Horizons - Turnage. Astor Theatre, Mt. lawley.
  • Styles, M. (2012). Australian Ballet's Romeo and Juliet. Burswood Theatre, Perth.
  • Styles, M. (2012). Boundaries - Turnage. Astor Theatre, Mt Lawley.
  • Styles, M., Pinto, A. (2012). Walk in my shoes lunchtime concert. Octagon Theatre, UWA.
  • Styles, M. (2012). Assembled - Music Director. Music Auditorium, WAAPA.

2011

Conference Publications

  • Styles, M. (2011). What’s in a Name? Is the term ‘Third Stream Music’ truly representative of the music it is supposed to describe? Would the term ‘Jazzical’ be just as appropriate?. Power of Music: Joint MSA / ICME Conference, 2011 (1-12). University of Western Australia.

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M., Rogers, K. (2011). WASO: Kenny Rogers. Lake Karrinyup Country Club.
  • Styles, M. (2011). Pictures at an Exhibition. Perth Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M., Minchin, T. (2011). Tim Minchin vs WASO. Kings Park.
  • Styles, M. (2011). Belshazzar's Feast. Perth Concert Hall.
  • Styles, M., Macdonald, G., Perkins, M., Abbey, N. (2011). Beijing Ninegates International Jazz Festival. National Library Concert Hall, Beijing.
  • Styles, M., Pinto, A. (2011). Nocturnal. Callaway Auditorium, University of Western Australia.
  • Styles, M., Moore, P. (2011). Kick. Music Auditorium, WAAPA.
  • Styles, M. (2011). Bravo Broadway. Dewan Filharminik, Malaysia.
  • Styles, M., Eastman, R., Eastman, M. (2011). Radioactive 2011. Subiaco Arts Centre.

2010

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2010). Malaysian Symphony Orchestra: Porgy and Bess, Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris - Saxophone. Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KL, Malaysia.

2009

Creative Arts Research Outputs

  • Styles, M. (2009). Rhapsody in Blue and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Perth Concert Hall.

Research Projects

  • Saxology: recasting third stream music for the saxophone , Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher Grant - 2014, 2014 ‑ 2015, $23,560.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Master of Arts (Performing Arts), A practical survey of industry professional R&B vocalists to define a framework for sustainability within this style.
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Towards improvisatory fluency in a range of musical styles: Developing skills and strategies to overcome improvisational hesitancies as a classically trained violinist
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Performance health for saxophonists: An investigation into holistic practice and injury prevention

Co-ordinating Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Contemporary cross-genre vocal training for musical theatre performers and vocal teachers: An investigation into producing the vocal characters in contemporary singing for the modern musical theatre performer

Completed Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, An investigation into Theories of Odd Meter and Their Application to Jazz Composition and Improvisation
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The ‘Marimba-Vibe’ Double Keyboard: An Explorative Investigation of a Nascent Solo Percussion Idiom
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The Belt's Got Soul! An investigation into the vocal characteristics of R&B/soul singing and the production of the 'belt voice' within this style

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Phantoms, an original jazz trio studio recording -and- dispelling phantoms: An Australian bassist exploring assumptions of jazz practice, an exegesis
  • Master of Arts (Performing Arts), Self-accompaniment and improvisation in solo jazz piano: Practice-led investigations of assimilation, ostinatos and 'hand splitting'
  • Master of Arts (Performing Arts), The composer as bricoleur: Notions of contemporary opera in the genesis of a short film
  • Master of Arts (Performing Arts), The application of konokol to guitar improvisation and composition
  • Master of Arts (Performing Arts), Towards interaction: Combining jazz techniques and idiomatic writing for varied ensembles. A collection of musical works -and- an exegesis
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