8 | Freelancing with Matt Andreini

Music Majors Unplugged | Career Advice for Aspiring Musicians

In todays podcast we talk with Professor Matt Andreini about studying music abroad and freelancing after college.

Matthew Andreini is a highly versatile musician, known for his proficiency
across a diverse range of genres. An in-demand performer, Andreini
maintains an active performance career playing regularly in ensembles
such as the wcfsymphony and Theater Cedar Rapids, and many
orchestras throughout the Midwest. His dynamic career includes
frequent solo appearances, dozens of concerti performances, as well
as numerous international tours spanning Europe, Central, and South
America. Notably, as a chamber musician he has shared the stage
with acclaimed groups such as the Boston Brass and the Enso String
Quartet. In the summers, Matt can often be found giving outdoor
concerts with his Rosewood Novelty Band, which performs “xylophone
rags” and popular music of the teens and 20s. He is also a member of
the Sugar Daddies big band which has added several of Andreini’s own
arrangements to their repertoire.
As an advocate for contemporary music, Andreini spearheads
innovative initiatives, commissioning works for solo, duo, and percussion
ensembles. His collaborations with acclaimed composers like Steve
Snowden, Ivan Trevino, Mark Ford, and Kevin Bobo have been
instrumental in bringing new compositions to life. Recently, he secured
grant funding from the Iowa Arts Council/National Endowment for the
Arts to record his upcoming album, "Tapestry," featuring a collection of
his recent commissions.
Co-directing the "Iowa/Hungary Project" alongside Hungarian
percussionist Gabor Palotas, Andreini has established a platform for
cultural exchange, commissioning and premiering over 50 works since
its inception. This initiative underscores their commitment to fostering
artistic dialogue and amplifying representation from local communities.
In 2017, the duo celebrated a significant milestone with the release of
their full-length CD, "All Systems Go."
Andreini currently serves as a percussion instructor at the University of
Northern Iowa and is the Personnel Manager for wcfsymphony where
he also performs in the percussion section. His previous teaching
positions include roles at Hawkeye Community College, Southwestern
Community College, and Joyful Noise Drums and Percussion. The
dedication he brings to teaching is evident in the success of his
students, many of whom have excelled in competitions and pursued
flourishing careers as both educators, performers, and industry leaders.

Tapestry | Matt Andreini