Highlighting the Digital Classroom: Matteo Pino, Our School's Online Educator in Focus
In the sprawling realm of music education, our Online School stands out as a beacon for musical excellence. Our instructors are handpicked for their unique blend of chops, industry experience, and real-life triumphs - qualities they generously bestow upon their students in the classroom. Among them is Matteo Pino, a seasoned music producer, writer, and our resident mastermind in Music Composition and Advanced Composition. If the allure of Electronic Music Composition under Matteo sets your heart ablaze, dive right in here.
Curious about what fuels Matteo's passion for music? Well, it all started with his family's deep, rhythmic roots. His dad was a big-time DJ during the disco era, and his granddad was a crooner-pianist from the old country. But it wasn't just the beats and the melodies that drew Matteo in; it was the profound emotional connections that music forged, an escape and a solace in times of strife. That burning desire to touch someone else's soul through music has kept him focused and passionate to this day.
In terms of genre influences, Matteo's taste is as eclectic as they come. One moment he's grooving to Hop Along, the next he's vibing with Kendrick Lamar, and the next he's lost in the haunting melodies of Brian Eno, all while coding away. But if he had to single out the artists that truly shaped his writing, he'd point to Radiohead, Bon Iver, and Coldplay. These masters of melody, harmony, and rhythm have indelibly left their marks on Matteo's approach to music.
Soy Christmas, his lo-fi indie group, was born out of friendship and shared musical dreams. Reny and Matteo have been making music together since their high school days, with Active Radio as their first band (named after a Coldplay tune, not a radio station). It wasn't until around 2015 that Soy Christmas officially took the stage. Their sound has evolved through the years, traversing various musical landscapes before settling on its current Basement Indie Rock vibe.
As for the divide between Matteo's personal style and Soy Christmas' sound, it's more a dance of two voices. He contributes his pop-inflected, electronic nuances, while Reny aids the band with its indie rock/folk roots. Ultimately, the result is an auditory tapestry that reflects both their unique musical sensibilities.
When it comes to the writing process, Matteo tends to start with chords and drums to set the mood, followed by vocal experimentation until a compelling idea emerges. His advice for budding songwriters? Keep creating, keep listening, and don't fuss too much over finding your distinct sound at first. As you churn out tunes, your musical voice and interests will find their way to the forefront.
Soy Christmas' hit single "Get Upset" has routed a path across Spotify, garnering nearly 2 million plays. It’s a gratifying sensation to know that something they crafted in their dorm rooms caught fire with listeners.
Asked about his favorite projects, Matteo gushes about his work with Soy Christmas - the exploration, the challenge, the puzzle-piecing that comes with crafting their signature sound. He also revels in remix work and electronic pop tracks, which offer a refreshing change of pace and an intriguing approach to composition.
Matteo's journey into teaching music took flight during his primary school years when he started tutoring family and friends in piano. By college, he was working with peers and mentoring young musicians at a Boys & Girls club. Teaching, he explains, stems from his boundless love for music, his joy in sharing experiences, and his eagerness to learn from the experiences of others.
What does Matteo appreciate most about teaching at the Online School? The opportunity to witness the vast range of students' musical tastes and their creative applications of classroom lessons is a constant source of inspiration. Watching the progress of his Advanced Composition students, many of whom he's seen grow from beginners to skilled musicians, fuels his motivation to continue nurturing the next generation of musical mavericks.
With a new album on the horizon, Matteo has plenty to look forward to. There are upcoming singles in the works, as well as exciting remix projects on the table. And lest we forget, Soy Christmas is also busy crafting music for a procedural game. So, keep your eyes and ears peeled for what's next on Matteo's musical adventure!
Intrigued by what the Online School has to offer? We boast a cornucopia of courses in music production and DJing. Check out our Music Production Complete Master Diploma (Online), Music Production Advanced Diploma (Online), and Complete Mixing and Mastering (Online) programs. For more deets, reach out to an Admissions Advisor or drop us a line at 1 (323) 594-8740 (USA), or if you're calling internationally, dial 44 20 7729 4884.
Feel like signing up for some free stuff? Register with us, and you'll gain access to an array of bonus goodies, including exclusive music-making tools and tutorials courtesy of our team. So go ahead, feast your heart out!
Explore the Online School's diverse offerings in education-and-self-development, such as online-education in music production and DJing, for the opportunity to learn from industry practitioners like Matteo Pino. As a seasoned music producer, he shares his passion for learning and his profound understanding of music, boosted by genre influences such as Radiohead, Bon Iver, and Coldplay, during his classes.
