Matt Elias
"Music has been a lifelong part of who I am—both as a musician and as someone who’s always learning. I’m passionate about sharing that love with others and believe deeply in music’s ability to inspire, heal, and bring people together. Whether I’m teaching, performing, or working within the community, I strive to create meaningful, lasting connections. I especially love guiding young musicians as they find their own unique voice in a creative and supportive environment. To me, music isn’t just something we do—it’s something we grow with and share throughout our lives."
Who I
Am
A Teacher First, A Musician Always
Before I started this studio, I spent eight years running a busy music school that welcomed more than 600 students a week. What stayed with me from those years wasn’t just the music—it was the people. The kids figuring out their first scales, the adults rediscovering piano after decades away, the quiet ones, the energetic ones, the curious ones—all of them reminded me why I love this work.
I’ve always felt called to teaching. I once thought I’d teach philosophy or science, because I love big ideas and thoughtful questions. But music has always been the language that makes sense to me—and helping others find their way into that language feels like the most natural work I can do.
My approach is simple: meet the student where they are. Listen first. Understand how they think about music—what excites them, what puzzles them, what they dream of playing. From there, real growth happens.
That’s what makes teaching music endlessly rewarding: it’s different with every single person. And that keeps me inspired, every day.
Clothes Pony and Dandelion Toys
A heartfelt thank you to the community
"I want to take a moment to say just how much this community has meant to me. Getting to know so many incredible families and individuals during my time as General Manager at Clothes Pony has been the joy of my life. Sharing Fridays with your little ones—laughing, learning, and smiling together—has filled my heart more than I can express. These moments have truly meant the world to me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
My musical journey has been profoundly shaped and influenced by a series of amazing musical individuals who have played pivotal roles at various stages of my life. From an early age, I was surrounded by music, and the figure who first sparked my interest in it was my father. He was a classical pianist, and growing up, I would listen to him play with attention, eager to emulate the music he performed. I followed his lead, and learned the same pieces he played, and in doing so, I began to develop an early respect for the discipline, struggle, and beauty of classical music. From age six through sixteen, I studied piano privately with a focus on developing solid sight-reading skills, good technique, and musical expression. Rooted in classical traditions, my training gave me practical tools to understand music and play with confidence. Those years taught me how to practice thoughtfully, read music clearly, and bring feeling to what I play. Today, I use those foundational skills as the backbone of my teaching, guiding students to build strong habits while encouraging their own creativity and personal connection to music. However, it wasn’t just my father and teachers who influenced my musical path—my best friend during those formative years was a musical prodigy, at least in my eyes. He could pick up almost any instrument and just play. His talent was inspiring, and he has since gone on to achieve great success as an audio engineer. These early years, surrounded by such amazing musical influences, provided me with a unique opportunity to explore music in a safe, open, yet challenging space, where creativity could flourish with little restriction. When I turned 16, I took a significant step in my musical journey and joined my first band. Those years became some of the most musically enriching of my life. I was fortunate enough to join a very active band that had already achieved a certain level of success, fronted by a determined and visioned lead singer and a large and supportive community. Over the course of my time with this band, we recorded two albums, and I was fortunate enough to tour with and perform alongside many of my musical heroes—an experience that further fueled my passion for music and solidified my resolve to continue down this path. However, by the age of 21, I felt a strong desire to step out on my own and pursue my own musical vision. I formed a new band with two talented musicians who challenged me to grow both as an creative artist and a performing musician. Together, we ended up recording an album at The Blasting Room, a renowned studio in Fort Collins. That experience not only refined my skills as a musician and songwriter but also deepened my passion for the collaborative process of making music. This is the music below. And this is what brought me eventually here to stay, in the most magical town and community. Recently, I’ve reconnected with piano in a new and inspiring way through the painted pianos scattered around Fort Collins. Watching people of all ages gather around these colorful instruments, sharing music spontaneously, reminds me just how powerful and inclusive piano can be. It’s a beautiful example of how music builds community, sparks joy, and invites everyone to express themselves—no matter their background or experience. This spirit of connection is exactly what I strive to bring into my teaching, creating a welcoming space where students feel encouraged to explore music at their own pace and in their own way. Behind this inviting approach is years of formal training and real-world performance experience. I’ve spent a lifetime honing my skills—not just to play, but to understand music deeply and share that understanding with others. My teaching blends this foundation with a genuine passion for helping each student grow confidently and expressively. Whether you want to dive into classical technique, learn to play your favorite pop songs, or simply find joy in making music, I’m here to guide you with knowledge, patience, and care. Being part of the Fort Collins music community and helping others find their own musical voice is what truly drives me every day.
My
Musical
Story
Saffron Falls
My Professional
Story
Before stepping into music retail and education, I spent years deeply involved in sound and live performance. After studying at the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts, I launched my own recording studio, gaining hands-on experience in music production, engineering, and creative collaboration. At the same time, I worked nights in Baltimore’s Fells Point, running live sound for bands three to four times a week.
When I turned 30, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of General Manager at Middle C Music, D.C.’s only full-service music store. It was an honor to lead an extraordinary team, which over the course of 7 ½ years, included many remarkable individuals. In addition, I worked alongside over 20 talented teachers, impacting the lives of 600 students every week. The experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and it became a place where I forged some of my closest friendships. Running a music store was a dream come true, and I felt truly fortunate to not only be part of such a vibrant community but to also lead it. I gained so much from working closely with the teachers and staff, teaching and engaging with students, and sharing countless moments of joy and true connection.
