Matt Guastamacchio

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about Matt

Matt Guastamacchio is from Connecticut, where he began his musical writing and production career, since 2006. He teaches songwriting, production, guitar, piano and drums. Since 2015, he has been producing and writing for a variety of artists, in Nashville. In addition to creating music for other artists, he has released some of his own music under the name TEO, which can be found on all music platforms.

The process Matt has for creating music is from a designers point of view. Thinking of new ways to interpret an instrument or construct a lyric, he is never settled with the conventional approach. His values lie within impacting the listener not indulging in the process. Sometimes a resolve should have tension and leave you wanting more. Every project has it’s own needs. When it comes to writing – it’s all about simplifying complex ideas. This is where Matt thrives.

Not only does he love the music scene, but he loves film and TV, as well. He writes movie and TV scores (instrumental music played in movies/tv) on a regular basis, which usually involves orchestral arrangements. His most recent project was inspired by old Italian songs – incorporating singing in Italian and using traditional instruments such as accordion, mandolin, and the jaw harp, just to name a few, all arranged and recorded by him.

As a mentor, Matt hopes to help students push their musical boundaries, empowering them to explore new sounds that inspire them on a daily basis.

Teaching Philosophy

It’s my understanding that we learn through comprehensible input and doing. I believe teaching is facilitating that process.

There are an infinite ways to acquire information and skills. Teaching is discerning the appropriate angle for each individual student. With that said, modifying the approach whenever necessary.

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“The easy answer is, an ‘open student’. Every student has an objective, even if it’s to ‘not learn’. I was the kid in school getting C’s D’s and F’s, constantly. But it wasn’t because I didn’t want to learn. I was told that the way I learn wasn’t the right way and that I had a learning disorder.

Turns out, I love learning. It’s a part of my daily life, now. So, I’m very passionate about meeting each student right where they are and seeing where we can take them, with their predisposition in mind.”

What’s your favorite local spot to spend time at?
“The best coffee in Nashville, is Sump! Delicious.
Hands down the BEST and only good pizza in Nashville is Joey’s House of Pizza. They’re a Brooklyn transplant and they are CONSISTENTLY good.
Dino’s and Gabby’s: Delicious burgers!
Mas Taco’s: fairly decent tacos.
Butchertown Hall: the only consistently good ribs in Nashville.
Hattie B’s: best hot chicken around. All the other places are dry, inconsistent and bland.”

Where do you look for creative inspiration?
“I usually go on a walk or a drive. I feel like getting out of the space that I’m working in helps stir my creativity. Also, absorbing alternative art, unrelated to what I’m working on, helps me reorient my thought process is something I do often.”

What is your favorite down-time activity to reduce stress?
“I absolutely love cooking. I do it multiple times a day and, every time, I use it as an opportunity to be creative.
I also LOVE gardening. I don’t have a lot of space, but the space I do have is usually filled up with chili peppers, herbs, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini and other beautiful plants such as cactus and succulents.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to as a kid? How did it impact your artistry?
“I grew up in a pentecostal church – exposing me to gospel and funk. I also grew up listening to old Italian music. But because of my friend groups and the culture of the day, I was steeped in Punk Rock and Hip Hop.

I love that all of these sounds were apart of my formidable years. You can imagine how this hodgepodge would influence a kid. I feel like I’m constantly pulling from a well full of diverse and exciting sounds, cultivated from my childhood. It’s cool because, nowadays pop is introducing a lot of Pop Punk into trappy and hip hip production. This is exciting for me.”

meet our
other music mentors
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Teaching isn't just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students' lives. To refine your search for a music mentor, select your desired instrument from the options below. 

THE ROOTS MENTOR PHILOSOPHY

Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just artists but well-rounded individuals equipped with a growth mindset, character, determination, confidence, and grit — skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Beyond the Notes: Our Teaching Philosophy

Our approach to music education goes beyond the traditional. While we undoubtedly focus on developing your musical talent, we understand that life's most valuable lessons extend far beyond the notes on a staff.

Our music mentors are passionate about nurturing your artistic abilities and your personal growth.

At ROOTS, we recognize that music is a powerful vehicle for character development. Our mentors instill qualities like discipline, responsibility, and respect through the art of music. Whether you're mastering the piano or perfecting your vocals, you'll also be enhancing essential life skills.

Learning an instrument or refining your singing takes patience and perseverance. Our mentors are there to guide you through the challenging moments, teaching you the importance of determination and grit – qualities that transcend music and apply to all areas of your life.

Self-confidence is a cornerstone of success. Our mentors help you build it through music by celebrating your achievements and nurturing your self-belief. As you hit those high notes or conquer a complex piece, you'll feel your confidence soar.

When you embark on a musical journey with ROOTS, you're not just gaining proficiency in your chosen instrument. You're also acquiring essential life skills that will serve you well in your academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

At ROOTS, it's not just about the music lessons. It's about the profound impact our music mentors have on your life.

At ROOTS, we are proud to have mentors who are actively engaged in the music industry. They're not just teachers; they're performers, composers, and artists who live and breathe music. This unique perspective enriches your learning experience, providing insights that go beyond the lessons.

In the heart of Music City's vibrant music scene, ROOTS Academy mentors often balance roles as musicians and educators. While their occasional commitments on the road or in the studio may lead to mentor substitutions, we're dedicated to keeping you informed about any lesson changes. In the rare event of an unmissable touring opportunity, rest assured that our team will facilitate a seamless transition to a new mentor.

Join us today to embark on an artistic and personal journey that will shape you into the best version of yourself. Experience the difference of mentorship at ROOTS Academy — where performing arts education becomes a transformative life experience.

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to develop extraordinary artists and exceptional humans through transformative performing arts education. Through music, dance, and theatre, we inspire creativity, nurture character, and empower our students to positively impact their community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe mindset shapes not just who we are in the studio, but who we become in the world.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence flourishes when preparation and vision align with discipline and passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe to create, supported to grow, and inspired to excel.

questions?

If you have any questions about our program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. We’re here to help you Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm CST.

EMILY LINDSEY – Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY – Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD – Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF – Schedule & Billing Coordinator

EMILY LINDSEY
Music Director
JOSH ASHLEY
Music Operations Manager
ALEXYS HALSTENSGARD
Music Operations Coordinator
LORI KAIRDOLF
Schedule & Billing Coordinator