So… let’s get into it. I really, deeply believe in the power of collaborative vocal improvisation. In all of the work l've done as an artist, vocalist, and creative human, the time I've spent in the practice of improvisation has been by far the most transformative.
Studying vocal improv has opened up my voice and filled my music with discovery and self-surprise. It has emboldened me with confidence, both on stage and as I improvise my way through life's unpredictable waves. It is the artistic practice that makes me feel most alive, most connected to my intuition, most grounded & inspired, and most connected to my fellow artists.
That's why I am here, offering this course. I want to facilitate and empower your growth, towards whatever you want to grow towards, and offering this practice is one of the best ways I know how.
Musical improvisation has so much to teach us about trust, listening, bravery, creativity, balance, and flow. And doing this work in community with others - being seen in the explorations, challenges, and triumphs as we collaborate - can allow all of these learnings to flow even deeper.
If something in this sings to you, take the leap. Dive in. New waters await!
With love, Matt Goldstein
I am so grateful to have learned so much from so many sources as I’ve followed the flow to where I am now. In particular, I want to honor some teachers of mine who have been instrumental in finding my way deeper into the practice of vocal improvisation. I must begin by offering deep gratitude to Rhiannon, a great teacher of mine and a master of vocal improvisation. Much of this course is inspired by her Vocal River curriculum and the 2023 cohort of her All The Way In mastery course. Gratitude of course to Bobby McFerrin, the source from which so much of this wisdom flows, and all of the facilitators at his CircleSong School. Gratitude to Zuza Goncalves, Ronaldo Crispin, and their magical work with Musica do Circulo. Gratitude to Laura Frye and Roy Willey for introducing me to the magic of collaborative vocal improvisation. And gratitude to all the folx of Gaia Music Collective, the Pilling St. Circle, and Hyannis Sound, for being the fertile soil that has given me a place to play, learn, grow, and iterate as I develop my own methods & practices for facilitating musical flow.
Matt Goldstein (he/him) is an NYC-based music facilitator, vocal arranger, educator, improviser, and singer-songwriter who is known for his heart-forward facilitation, emotive vocal arrangements, soulful singing, and visionary leadership. He is a passionate and sensitive music-maker, coupling his musical expertise and powerful improvisatory intuition with warmth, vulnerability, and a playful sense of humor.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Drama from Vassar College, where he directed an a cappella group known as The Vassar Devils. During his time with the Devils, the group developed from a casual ensemble into one that won first place at the 2016 BOSS (Boston Sings) competition, recorded multiple award-winning albums, and performed for President and First Lady Obama at the White House in 2015.
After graduating in 2017, Matt spent three years singing as a member of professional all-male a cappella group Hyannis Sound. As a member of this elite vocal ensemble, Matt performed over 300 shows and served varyingly as the group’s music director, merchandise manager, and video producer.
After earning acclaim for his emotive, innovative arrangements with The Vassar Devils and Hyannis Sound, Matt went on to craft custom vocal arrangements for over 70 artists & ensembles around the world. He earned both awards for Best Professional Arrangement (Scholastic & Non-Scholastic) at the 2020 CARAs (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards), and his arranging work has garnered him numerous awards at a cappella festivals such as the ICCA, BOSS, and SoJam.
While Matt has a deep love for the power and precision of a planned composition, he is also a student, teacher, and performer of vocal improvisation and the art of spontaneous songcrafting. He has been hugely inspired by his experiences as a participant in Rhiannon’s All The Way In vocal improvisation mastery course, Musica do Circulo's leader training, and Bobby Mcferrin’s weeklong CircleSong School, and is constantly traveling the world to learn from and collaborate with the global music community. He currently facilitates circle singing and vocal improvisation workshops with Gaia and various other organizations around the country (most recently at Google and Duke University). Matt also loves to bring improvisation out of the classroom and into the stage, and often performs fully improvised concerts with various vocal ensembles.