Christian Matjias

What do you do?

I am a professor of dance and music in the school of music. I also perform and compose music for dancers and choreographers.

When did you start playing music? What inspired you?

I've always listened to music, but I was inspired to become a musician when I heard Claude Debussy's "Prelude to The Afternoon of A Faun" at the age of 19.

Did starting your music career at the age of 19 make you nervous?

It was tough, because when I began studying music professionally I was reminded that I was a beginner and therefore at the bottom of the barrel. So, that was very difficult, but I got through it with hard work.

What instruments do you play?

I mainly play the piano and harpsichord.

What degrees do you have?

I received my bachelors and master degrees in harpsichord at the University of Southern California.

What is the most difficult part of composing?

I don't compose often, but when I do the most difficult part of composing is writing something that doesn't stink.

What do you have to know about music in order to be a good composer?

Since my compositions are primarily for collaborative projects, you have to develop, as well as find, a balanced sense of objectivity and subjectivity. What I mean by this is that, some artists look only at themselves, and that is good when your vision is always going in the right direction, however that doesn't work out for most people, especially in a collaborative relationship. So, it's important to be subjective as well because you need the ability to see your own path but also to see the other side of things. Being too objective will prevent you from creating a good work, and being too subjective will keep you from ever getting anywhere because you will be too focused on all of the possibilities.

How involved are you with the community?

I'm extremely involved with arts advocacy. I am also on the advisory board for Sphinx in Detroit. Sphinx is a music program for young African American and Latino musicians.

How important do you feel your skills as a musician are to dance choreography?

It's only important when the dialogue can be fully perceived and responded to by the choreographer and the dancers.

What art forms inspire you today?

The visual arts and theatre.

Who are some of your favorite composers?

Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky, and Robert Schumann.

How would you suggest that others get involved?

There are endless opportunities to get involved with any of the arts areas. I recommend checking out the Arts at Michigan website and trying out any local art offerings which strike a nerve for you.

Check out Christian's website!
http://www.christianm.org/