Matthew is a freelance musician based in the south of England. Since graduating from Leeds College of Music with a BMus in Jazz and Contemporary Music, Matthew has a wide range of experience in the industry.
In the role of musical director he has worked on many musical theatre projects, organised and delivered music workshops for people with learning difficulties and written music arrangements.
As a performer he has experience of a variety of different musical settings - from accompanying classical recitals to playing more commercial music in function bands and theatre orchestras.
Matthew has worked on a wide range of projects as a music arranger. Previous clients include:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line artists - Joseph Beredino, Major Handy and Francis
Cabaret - One Night in Vegas - UK National Tour
Pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk, Act One Pantomimes, Eric Morecambe Theatre (Harpenden)
Musical theatre - Mort, Youth Music Theatre: UK, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (Guildford), Ghetto, Haileybury College
Butlins - A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson
Youth ensembles - Berkhamstead School Big Band
Matthew can write bespoke arrangements for any combination of instruments. Arrangements are produced using Sibelius music notation software, and can either be printed and posted to the client or sent electronically as required. He also offers a music transcription service. Please contact for details and a quote.
Matthew is a versatile pianist who is familiar with a broad range of keyboard styles. An excellent sight-reader, he has vast experience providing piano accompaniment for concerts and music examinations in both classical and contemporary idioms. Rates vary according to the repertoire/grade - please contact for details.
Matthew is also available as a solo pianist for weddings, hotels, and corporate functions. Prices start at £150 for three 50 minute sets over three hours. A high quality electric piano can be supplied if necessary.
Whilst at Leeds College of Music Matthew was a member of the UK Conservatoires Big Band and was the recipient of the Tolson Prize for Brass.
He went on to play trumpet in the theatre orchestra for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He has excellent improvisation skills and has worked in many function bands, small jazz ensembles, big bands and pit orchestras.
Matthew is available to play trumpet at your wedding. Prices start at £100. Please contact for further details.
Matthew currently teaches piano at Bryanston School. He also spent two years as Musician in Residence at Haileybury College, where he was responsible for accompanying students for exams/concerts, teaching instrumental lessons, taking theory classes, teaching improvisation and coaching advanced pupils in preparation for concerto performances.
Matthew offers private tuition in the Winchester area on piano and trumpet, in both classical and more contemporary styles (jazz, pop, rock etc.) Students can learn for pleasure, or work towards music examinations as desired. Lessons are also available in music theory, aural skills, composition and arranging.
Rates are £22 per hour, £13 per ½ hour.
CRB checked.
“Thanks very much for the arrangements - we used them last week on a cruise and they were excellent."
Keith Hastings, ‘Bamboleo’ - International Gipsy Kings Tribute Band
“The charts are sounding great! Thank you for all your hard work."
Joseph Beredino, Cabaret/Cruise Ship Singer, New York
“Matthew is a very talented musician, is a model employee, never late and always ready to perform at a high level."
Lubomir Hajossy, Musical Director, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
"The keyboard accompaniment of Matthew Shenton when the soloists were singing was truly memorable. Not only was it gentle and interesting to listen to but it backed up the singers without overpowering them."
Rita Boffin, NODA
Phone: 07880 631000
