Hear what key people have to say about “Music for the Heart and Soul”

Keiko Welch – Respected Piano and Organ Teacher – Penrith New South Wales, says

“The CD and Score are fantastic!”

Robert Smith, B.Mus.Ed.
Lecturer in Music/Education, Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong. Ex-President, Music Teachers' Association of NSW (Wollongong Branch).

Mark Matthews has brought together in "Music for the Heart and Soul" a great collection of twelve works that beautifully carry a distinct meditative quality. In writing these pieces for intermediate level piano, Mark has drawn upon an ear-catching mix of restful contemporary harmonies and gently arresting rhythmic syncopation interwoven in an exquisitely pianistic style. The use of these compositions, either singly or as a suite, might be seen primarily as for piano performance repertoire and yet they exist just as validly as pieces for sheer listening pleasure. Mark's Opus 1 is a valuable and enriching addition, equally for the performer and the listener, to the genre of compositions for solo piano.

Alex Darling, Lord Mayor, City of Wollongong

I had the privilege of hearing Mark Matthews perform at the National Thanksgiving Day Breakfast 2005 and was very impressed.  I have since had a chance to listen to the CD at home and the music is just incredible.  It’s very soothing, relaxing and an absolute pleasure to listen to.  Congratulations Mark on an outstanding effort.

Dr. Houston Dunleavy, Senior Lecturer in Composition, The University of Wollongong.

This collection not only fills the needs for contemporary piano music at the intermediate piano level, but it does so by providing a well-structured, carefully crafted set of pieces that are accessible to young players. The surface material is attractive and accessible, but the compositional ideas are also maturely handled. This is a worthy addition to the potential repertoire of young players looking for more modern works.

The Mayor of Kiama - Sandra McCarthy recounts a recent concert experience...

"At the Kiamafest Soiree I had the great pleasure of hearing Mark Matthews perform his own composition ‘Sarah's Suite’ from 'Music for the Heart and Soul'. As soon as Mark started to play I felt the back of my neck tingle and my heart move. I knew then I was listening to a very special piece of music beautifully played. I look forward to the rest of the CD." 

Elaine Keough  A.MusA, A.T.C.L.(T), LTCL(T.) - Music Teacher

"Music for the Heart and Soul is just that! Music to listen to with your eyes closed at the end of a long day!. The music is gently soothing, a with a few moments of colour and some dramatic changes of key. Piano teachers will appreciate the pieces which can be used for AMEB exams as extra lists for Grades 3- 5. The pieces will also be welcomed by students of the Piano for Leisure course with an understanding of improvisation which is encouraged in some performances in the syllabus."

Robbie Specogna  - Main Street Studios I Platinum Management states...

“Music for the Heart and Soul has something for everyone, from the listener to the performer. Mark’s dedication to his work is our listening pleasure, I congratulate him on another exceptional project".

Robert Nixon  - from the “Australian Society of Musicology and Composition”  recently assessed the Compositions and makes these comments..

.the pieces in this collection are soundly constructed and effective compositions which will surely be enjoyed by players and audiences alike…they  compare favourably in value to many commercial published compilations. The accessible harmonies… are likely to contribute to the appeal of the works…”

David Hatton KiamaFest Soiree Musicale describes the audience response to a live concert performance …

"The compere, Mark Matthews stepped to the microphone. The audience expected him to announce ‘The Interval will be 15 minutes please return to your places promptly’ Instead, he said ‘May I try the piano stool?’ A deep breath from everyone and then ….‘Raindrops’ tinkled from the ivory keys of the Yamaha grand. The audience held its breath to the end. To a thunder of applause Mark announced ‘The interval….’  

Peter Riley Regional Program  Manager  97.3 ABC Illawarra says ...

“I first heard "Music for the Heart and Soul" after a death in my family. The quiet interludes and contemporary sound allowed me to contemplate the life of my sister in a way that made her eulogy more focused and poignant. It was a source of inspiration for me.  I would recommend you find your inspiration from its contents." 

Dr Michael Barkl  Head Teacher of Music Wollongong TAFE says…

“It’s been a privilege to witness Mark Matthews put his final touches on these pieces and prepare them for publication.  They’re evocative, expressive and because they ‘fall under the hands’, fun to play.  I think you’ll enjoy them too.”