Mat Baker
Mat is passionate about music and rhythm. He has spent decades perfecting and evolving unique methods of music teaching. From guitar one to ones, to large kids' workshops at schools with drums & percussion at its core.
His understanding how music, sounds and rhythm interact with our body and mind has helped him to develop unique approaches, such as the workshop Rhythm into Stillness.
Bio
Mat is a solo artist and teacher (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, ukulele, singing, drums & percussion).
He has performed live for over 35 years: solo, and alongside many international musicians. He's taught music for over 30 years, and has also recorded with a large range of international artists including Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South African acapella group).
Mat studied at the London Guitar Institute, as well as with various world renowned music teachers including Glen Velez and Reinhard Flatischler. He spent a number of years living in Spain, where he studied and soaked up the flamenco flavours.
He dedicates his career to both performing and teaching, sharing his passion for the joy of creating music.
Music Education
Workshops
Engaging workshops and lessons for all ages and skill levels, specialising in rhythm, drumming, guitar & ukulele.
- Corporate & Group Team Building Drumming & Rhythm Workshops
- School Drumming, Junk Percussion and Ukulele Workshops
- Groups of all ages and skills
- Rhythm into Stillness Workshops (click below)
Learn About Workshops
Team Building Workshops
Drumming and rhythm are an incredible team building tool. They can be unifying, empowering and bonding. We can all join in a rhythm, irrespective of ability. The power of listening and building rhythm together is a powerful, primal experience. Mat is an experienced and engaging workshop facilitator who brings lightness, fun and creativity to all his workshops.
School Workshops
Drum and Junk Percussion
Children love to drum! It is an engaging and educational experience that encourages focus, coordination and listening skills.For younger children, drumming is a way to learn about numbers and develop concentration. For older children, it can help build confidence and creativity and support them to work together. All the time being playful and fun, whilst experiencing a connection to music in the most primal way. People have drummed all over the world for thousands of years.
Workshops are available for all ages from pre-school to year 12, including SEN.
Drums are provided.
Ukulele Workshops
The ukulele is an accessible, easy, fun instrument that can be a gateway into the magic of playing music. Learning it combines rhythm, melody, and chords. The ukulele is a beautiful instrument in its own right, whilst also being a natural introduction to the world of stringed instruments.Workshops are suitable for all ages from 6 years, and can be for complete beginners or tailored for those with experience. Instruments provided depending on numbers.
Rhythm into Stillness
Join Mat for a rhythmical, meditative journey. A playful and challenging exploration into our body, mind and soul using drums, steps, claps, shakers and your voice.- Use different rhythmical patterns to support your growth in body awareness.
- Starting energetically we will move towards a place of inner stillness.
- No musical skills are necessary just an openness to explore.
Teaching
Private lessons - one to one or small groups, in person or online. All ages and levels.
- Guitar
- Ukulele
- Percussion and Drums
Groups of all ages and skills. Private lessons (in person or online). Adult beginner classes available.
Learn About Lessons
The joy and pleasure of being creative with a musical instrument is something we can all experience given the right support.
- Learn the tricks and tools to play expressive and dynamic music.
- Tailor made lessons to inspire creativity and passion for adults and children.
- From one to one lessons at any age to kids workshops in schools.
Live Performance
Professional musical performances for all occasions and venues.
- Weddings & celebrations
- Corporate & charity events
- Hotels & restaurants
- Memorial services
Learn More
Atmospheric and soulful music from an experienced, passionate and sensitive musician.
- Mat loves creating an ambience and atmosphere, a beautiful background to your special event.
- He plays a unique mix of styles tailored to your needs.
- His main influences are Jazz, Folk, Classical, Celtic, Latin and Soul. He's also a singer and can include vocals in your song list.
- He has performed live for over 35 years, as well as alongside many international musicians.
Equipment: high quality sound system (AER) to adapt for intimate or larger gatherings. It can run on battery for off grid, outdoor events. Can also provide a microphone for speeches, as well as recorded background music during breaks, if required.
What People Say
"Mat was hired to play acoustic guitar at our wedding, he did so much more than that. Mat took a very personal song to us and made his own acoustic arrangement of it creating a unique track that truly made our day beautiful, and brought a tear to multiple guests eyes, and my own! I can’t thank him enough for everything he did for our wedding, he was a great communicator before the day, keeping in regular contact in build up to the wedding. He suggested set lists and executed them with deft skill and beauty and created an atmosphere beyond what I could’ve imagined. Thank you Mat for all you did, we put our trust in you and from your first response to your final piece we couldn’t have asked for a better musician. You truly are the epitome of artist."
— Daniel M - Wedding
"Mat added that sprinkle of magic to our big day! He was friendly, talented and professional as he played and welcomed our guests. He's a great communicator and I would not hesitate in hiring him again or in recommending him to others! Fabulous!"
— Lucy S - Wedding
"Mat is an all-round professional musician and performer, with a warm heart for his music as well as his audience. I highly commend Mat’s musical craft and delivery without reservation and look forward to future projects with him"
— Thomas C - Event Organsier
"On behalf of Children with Cancer Fund we would like to thank you for the beautiful atmosphere you created whilst playing at our 25 Year Ball. The atmosphere was wonderful; the music spoke to the space, we were delighted!"
— Janet C - Charity Event Organiser
"We are so pleased we invited Mat to augment our wedding day celebrations. He played on and off, decorating the day and added an extra special something to the atmosphere. We had many lovely comments from our guests."
— Lorne C - Wedding
"I took up learning music at 68 & decided to go for the ukulele. I was with Mat for a year & progressed further than I thought was possible. That is thanks to his humour, patience & ability. He is a great teacher & I would recommend him to anyone of any age!"
— Bob T - Student
"6 months in and loving learning with Matt. As an adult learner, Matt just goes with the flow of what I want to do and what I want to play. It's not just scales and boring pieces, I'm learning cool stuff. Thanks Matt!"
— Richard H - Student