Matt Funamura School Of Music

Matt Funamura is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, a working musician, and educator in the greater Bay Area, California. He teaches trumpet, guitar, bass, and ukulele, employing a holistic approach that inspires his students to become well-rounded, educated, and creative musicians. His teaching philosophy aims to instill in his students a deep understanding and passion for their craft while honoring its rich history, guiding them to find their place in the future of music. He offers instruction in myriad styles, ranging from classical (trumpet only) to jazz, blues, funk, rock, pop, and more.

Matt has had the privilege of performing with and studying under numerous musicians across various genres, including Angelique Kidjo, Ingrid Jensen, Tiger Okoshi, Isaac Delgado, Gamble & Huff, Salvador Santana, Joe Gilman, Charles Haynes, Dontae Winslow, Darren Barrett, Larry Harlow, Jeff Stout, Phil Wilson, David Newsam, Jerry Martini, and Victor Mendoza.

Matt works with students aged 6 to adult, spanning beginner to professional levels, welcoming students from all over the world to join him via Zoom. While proficient in playing many instruments and styles of music, his primary focuses are guitar and trumpet, driven by a passion for jazz and other highly improvised music. He views music as a form of language, capable of communicating emotions and ideas beyond the limitations of words.

Approaching each student as an individual with their own influences and interests, Matt believes that music, with its wide and varied forms, represents the entirety of humanity in terms of culture, emotion, and self-expression. He emphasizes the universal aspects of music in his lessons, prioritizing reading, writing, ear training, and theory to help students maximize their potential and unlock their individual personalities both on and off the stage.