By Catherine Sanchez, Publications Officer

In the harmonious world of music, where talent meets dedication, Matthew Ling’s journey as part of the Class of 2018 stands out as a testament to passion, perseverance and profound artistry. From a budding musician, nurtured within the halls of William Clarke College, Matthew is now gracing the stage with his contrabass as part of the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra (ANJO Youth).

As we delve deeper into Matthew’s musical journey, it becomes clear that his love for music was cultivated from a rich tapestry of influences including family, friends and inspiring teachers. These pillars continue to shape his artistic evolution, propelling him towards his musical aspirations. “Learning from these genuine people and achieving musical goals with them have played an important role in my journey in music,” said Matthew. “My [William Clarke College] classmates, Charnay Rabe and Christian Sakiris, two high-achieving musicians, have especially influenced me as I look up to their musical skill.”

Reflecting on his time at William Clarke, Matthew cherishes the memories of group performance nights and the camaraderie forged during the 2015 musical production, My Favorite Year. These experiences not only honed his skills and nurtured his growth as a musician but also allowed him to forge lasting friendships, affirming music as both a passion and a profession.

Since graduating, Matthew has embraced a whirlwind of musical experiences. His acceptance into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music marked a new chapter, focusing on double bass and specialising in jazz performance. He was offered the double bass position in the Conservatorium’s Jazz Big Band #1, a role he has held for the past two years, along with receiving the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Scholarship. Matthew has also had the chance to perform and study under multiple internationally and nationally recognised jazz instrumentalists, a true testament to his exceptional talent and passion.

Beyond academic pursuits, Matthew’s days have been filled with professional gigs across diverse venues from bars to musicals, showcasing his growing prominence in the music scene. Additionally, he shares his expertise through tutoring, both at schools and privately from his home studio in Kellyville, all while dedicating hours to daily practice. Matthew has also recently taken on a casual role with the Conservatorium/University of Sydney to teach younger students interested in attending the Conservatorium.

Membership in ANJO Youth is no small feat, with entry determined by a competitive, anonymous audition. Matthew’s selection as the sole double bassist speaks volumes about his skills and determination. Now, Matthew is a part of this highly respected orchestra, uniting 17 of the country’s top young jazz musicians aged 18 to 25 in a collaborative ensemble. “The ensemble participates in two projects including a six-day recording/performance intensive at the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival,” stated Matthew. “The second project is hosted by the Perth International Jazz Festival.” During these prestigious festivals, Matthew will have the privilege of working closely with Remy Le Boeuf, a four-time Grammy-nominated composer and saxophonist, marking a significant milestone in Matthew’s burgeoning career. “I’m slightly nervous to be a part of this project,” Matthew stated, “but also it’s been a goal of mine for the past few years so I’m excited.”

Looking ahead, Matthew’s future in music brims with potential. While he remains humble about his goals, citing perpetual self-improvement as a driving force, opportunities await on the horizon. Plans to attend workshops in Sienna and New York, learning from jazz luminaries, promise to further enrich his musical repertoire and align with his long-held aspirations.

As he continues to hone his craft and share his passion, Matthew exemplifies the spirit of artistic dedication that resonates far beyond the notes he plays. Indeed, in Matthew Ling, we witness not just a musician, but a custodian of jazz’s rich legacy – a testament to the transformative power of music. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Matthew on this well-deserved achievement and eagerly await the symphony of successes that undoubtedly lie ahead.

For those interested in learning more about the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival, please visit www.sydneyconjazzfestival.com