A Totally Sweet Video! Check it out...

Hola!

So my sister had this video up on the browser when I wrangled my computer back from her, and decided to press play... and saw one of the sweetest videos ever! Be sure to check it out...

Hehe, technology is pretty cool...

The 88 - Love is The Thing

Peace,
Matt

Booking!

Hey All!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am starting to book gigs (especially here as Christmas approaches and everyone breaks out their Christmassy party sweaters and egg nog). Spread the word, anyone needing a piano player for to complete their social event/office party/Christmas celebration etc. has found their man!

Contact me at (574)-210-4053 or jazzituppiano@gmail.com for more information : )

Peace,
Matt

Rates & Services

Pricing:

Contract Hourly rate: $30 per hour

This applies to:

1) Graduation Parties; 2) Christmas Parties; 3) Wedding Receptions; 4) Corporate Events: 5) Public/Private Social Events

Wedding: $250 for ceremony

Accompaniment: Contact me

Appointment must be made at least 3 weeks in advance to planned event date, to discuss details, sign contract, etc. (for weddings, I prefer at least 1 month notice, and appointment where we can choose music for your incredibly special day). Client pays after services are rendered, for previously agreed amount.

To make an appointment: give me a ring and/or e-mail. I'd love to hear from you. Check the "Contact Me" page for contact info.

What I Do

How can I help you?

Looking to host the Christmas Party of the year? Finally marrying the man of your dreams? Celebrating your last days in that high school? Need that classy ambience that only piano accompaniment can provide? I'm your man. I'm a talented and experienced piano player looking to fulfill your musical needs.

I cater to: public and private social events; corporate holiday parties; graduation parties; wine-tastings; weddings; musicians in need of accompaniment.

I'm an up-and-starting entrepreneur building up the premier piano playing business in South Bend, Jazz if UP!, and I want to help make your event special, memorable, and jazzy! I work by contract (see Rates & Services for policy), and am very open to playing with other musicians to help fulfill your needs.

My Bio

Here's a brief bio (in most general sense of the phrase):

As I said, I'm Matt Caponigro. I'm a strapping young man (uh-huh... right... ) who attends Adams High School (entering his Junior Year), in South Bend, IN. I'm currently Drum Major of the John Adams Marching Eagles. This year I enter the International Baccaleaureate Program at Adams High, looking forward to the years to come. I also enter my third year with the Nationally recognized (http://www.five7four.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090512/FIVE7FOUR/905129905/-1/five7four02) Adams Mock Trial program. And of course, I love to play piano.

I've been around music all my life. My mom sang in the Glen Ellen Children's Chorus as a kid, and is currently the the chair of the Children's Choir of Michiana, director Wishart Bell (http://wishartmusicservices.com/). I started my own adventure with music in the crib; although I don't have any recollection, I used to wave my arms while laying in my crib, doing so in a manner resembling a conductor, leading the orchestra on. My formal education began at age 6, with my first piano lesson.

Funny story: we were living in Chicago at the time, when my parents sat me down and proposed a move to Michigan City, IN. Being the young businessman that I was, I knew I had to get something out of the ordeal. Ergo, I delivered my parents a clear-cut and well thought out ultimatum: find me a piano teacher when we get there, AND buy me a dog, and I'll come with you. Luckily, being as they were not the least bit interested in leaving me behind, I got those piano lessons (and Lucy, for that matter) and they got to keep their son.

I've been taking classical piano lessons ever since, with various teachers both in Michigan City, and in South Bend when we moved in '04. I've spent 4 summers at Interlochen Center for the Arts, an internationally acclaimed and prestigious arts camp/school in Interlochen, MI (http://camp.interlochen.org/), where I majored in piano studies. There I took numerous Master Classes with world-reknowned teachers and musicians alike.

In fifth grade (so '05) I joined up in the Jazz Ensemble at st. Joe Grade School, South Bend. I've been loving jazz ever since, playing in the Jazz Ensemble then and Jazz Band 1 at Adams now. I've taken Jazz Master Classes with Carl Coen, Larry Dwyer, and many more. I also play saxophone and clarinet, while managing to mess around with guitar, bass guitar, and drums on the side.

I started accompaniment in 6th grade, mostly for local participants in the annual Indiana State School Music Association Solo & Ensemble Competition. I've accompanied over 20 musicians in the past 4 years on piano, ranging from vocalists to violinists and trumpetists, with plenty in between. I've also played in other settings, including but not limited to: religious services, Christmas parties, Graduation parties, Wine-tastings, etc.

Besides playing piano, I love snowboarding, flying, reading, writing, hanging upside down, hiking, playing chess, listening to music, cooking, relaxing with friends.

I currently study with Dr. Robert Rhein (Associate Music Professor at Bethel College).

Peace, Love and Insanity...

Hola!

Hey Everybody in the Whole Entire World!

My name is Matt Caponigro. I love music, case in point, right there. If you must one know one thing about me, the most crucial, elemental thing about me, it is this: my life not only revolves around music, but is made possible through music, is explained through music.

Although I do appreciate all forms of the greatest of all emotional expressions, I admit, jazz is my passion. I play piano, have been ever since I was 6 years old (actually, funny story about that, see Bio post).

I'm looking to take my passion to the streets, moving into the musical performing industry of Michiana (and thereby, the world). I have done many gigs in the past, both solo and with other musicians, in varying venues at various events. I have accompanied over 20 performing musicians in the past 4 years, mostly through the annual Indiana State School Music Assocation Competition.

And here's where it all starts...