Matt Zebley

Lecturer

D.M.A., USC

E-mail: matt.zebley@ucr.edu
Phone: (951) 827-3784
Office: ARTS 163

Dr. Matt Zebley is an educator, composer, jazz artist and multi-instrumentalist in the greater Los Angeles area. He graduated magna cum laude from Berklee College of Music in 1993 where he studied composition, arranging and jazz performance. In 2006, he graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies, and received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2010. His major emphasis at USC was in music technology and its application to music education, wherein he outlined strategies for implementing wind controllers into both public schools and universities. His outstanding academic achievements granted him entrance into the prestigious Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

As a performing artist, Dr. Zebley's list of credits is both broad and diverse. He released his first CD as a leader in 1999 entitled Live at Moondog. It features nine original compositions and arrangements for three horns, bass and drums. He remains locally active performing with his own various groups, as well as Anthony Wilson, John Daversa and Joey Sellers. Over the years, he has collaborated with a host of major jazz figures including Tony Bennet, Dave Brubeck, Wynton Marsalis, Yusef Lateef, Bobby McFerrin, Wayne Shorter and Dave Douglas. Since 1999, Dr. Zebley has performed with the Brian Setzer Orchestra. This high profile, rock and roll big band received a Grammy (Best Instrumental) for "Caravan" from their 2000 release entitled Vavoom. With this group, Dr. Zebley has participated in numerous world tours, TV appearances and recorded a variety of movie soundtracks.

In 1995, Matt created a private lesson studio, Vibrant Productions, where he reaches local communities through teaching and sharing his musical experiences. He now resides in Redlands with his wife and two lovely daughters, and works diligently towards his personal and artistic goals.

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