Matthew Shaker is an Actor (AEA), Model, Singer/Songwriter and Composer. He is at home on stage in a play or musical- as well as behind it. His credits are numerous and diverse with lead roles in shows such as, "Kiss Me Kate", "Singing In The Rain", "Wait Until Dark", "Hello Dolly", "Hair", "Into The Woods" and "I Love You, You're Perfect-Now Change", to name a few. Matthew won the 2015 Desert Theater League Award for Best Actor -Comedy (Professional), for his role as Felix Unger in Neil Simon's 'The Odd Couple' (presented at the Indio Performing Arts Center, November, 2014). He has also been nominated and received 'DTL Best Actor Awards' for his performances in 'Proof' and 'The Cocktail Hour'. He has been Musical Director and arranged and recorded soundtracks for dozens of shows as well. Matthew has spent decades as a Piano Bar Performer in cities such as Palm Springs , Los Angeles and New York. Currently, he can be seen at the piano Saturday and Sunday mornings at Idyllwild's popular 'Mile High Café'. He has performed on cruise ships in big production shows produced by Emmy award winner, Anita Mann. He released his original album, 'Dance Romance!', winning a finalist prize in the Jazz division of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition for his ballad, 'Next Time'. Matthew has composed music for television, films and commercials and lives in Prescott Valley, Arizona. He is currently writing (book, music and lyrics) an historical based Broadway bound musical, "EGYPTOMANIA!" (Visit Matthew Shaker website: musicmat4.wixsite.com/mattshaker )
Music is my soul's outward manifestation of inward perceptions, thoughts, images, lessons being learned-my spiritual path and development. That's the 'truth' part. Music is also pure fun! It's therapy for me and potentially, those who listen. It is comfort, companionship, physicality and every mood one can experience.
This question is kind of vague, admittedly. Is it my 'career' dream? My skills dream? Well, my dream is to keep sharpening my skills, lean more, and as I get older, fight the urge to do less, and rather do more and be more. Ultimately, the music will be shared with more people, in more dynamic and expansive ways.
The misguided belief of so many that we are all separate and different from each other. I'd just say, think on that and see what comes up for you.
That's tough. Like which childhood pet was your favorite. Well, I was a kid in the 1970's, when music was pure fun and about being in the moment. I always loved a song from a one hit wonder band called Pilot. "It's Magic" (Oh, ho, ho it's magic) https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1&q=oh+ho+ho+it%3Bs+magic
Michael Franks (for lyrics and artistry in pop jazz), Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Brightman, Sarah Vaughn, Chicago, Peter Cetera
It can be anything, really. Usually a strong emotion or an inward feeling or reaction to something in my life.
Be open. Different musical experiences will broaden yours. Be touched. Be moved. Be entertained. Be enlightened.
Well, after the nerves calm (and I mean over forty years of performing) then it's sheer joy, peace and just fun. Sometimes, I can psychically feel a response or what is transferring as I play. (Crazy Man!)
Embrace technology, but don't let 'IT' do all the work for you. YOU- still have to be the one with something to say. Something so important, it has to be expressed musically. Seek to empower and heal, as well as entertain.
What a nice gift to Musicians and people who love Music. Keep participating. Keep encouraging.
What I don't know...
When there are local musicians I can go listen to. I always tip and approach and compliment. An ounce of encouragement and praise can have lasting effects we may not even be aware of.
Life experience, maturity- regardless of physical age. Kindness. Willingness to accept constructive criticism, and the ability to know what that is. Handing down the ladder to someone else who could use some help. Always be willing to learn. You never, ever, ever know it all.
Michael Franks ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilj-3T7O7f8&list=PLtZCAN4FHsrlY73AwJzInU3Rz1a5ZbQ9M ), Lisa Haley and the Zydekats ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz94fe1YvpU ).