I have some pretty amazing friends. People who inspire me every time we are together. Matt Lagarde is one of them. A dedication to his life’s work that is just what he does, to others it may appear to be above and beyond. I am thrilled to share this Artist Profile on an extraordinary music educator, musician, and friend.
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Since we first met at the University of Southern Maine School of Music, we have been good friends. From ensembles to hanging out in the computer lab to eating meals together you really become close with people in music school. A jokester by nature, it took a bit getting used to having to sit next to him in chorale, but I eventually got used to his sense of humor and little pranks. Pranks I know he plays on his students from stories he has told. Amongst the humor and silliness is a someone who devotes a great deal of energy and his time to help others, especially his students.
Matt works in New Hampshire and is a Music Educator, where he teaches everything from band to chorus to general music at the middle and high school levels. As you will hear in the video he doesn’t think of it as just teaching music. While talking with him I have come to realize what all of these people that I have worked with on these Artist Profiles have in common. There is a striking intensity about them and unique approach to their craft that pulls me in and want to learn more about what they do. Even though Matt is a long time friend, I still felt compelled to learn more about his story.
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This shoot came together kind of on a whim, but I am so thankful to collaborate with him on it. We had been talking for a while about doing something like this but haven’t nailed down details. I reached out to see if he could do something during his April vacation. With agreement on a date and discussing logistics, there was one thing left. Location. I wasn’t sure but had some ideas. I really like incorporating a meaningful location to have as a backdrop or place for this type of shoot. More context. I pitched the idea and do it at his school, he obliged even though it was vacation week. Then admitted he went down a couple times to clean out his room and office. So I didn’t feel too bad about it. It worked out great, no one was there to bother or distract us and we had the music blasting. As I have learned with shoots like this I am more creative in the moment when I have done some sketches and planning of shots. I am thrilled with the many great shots we got and grateful for the willingness of Matt to be in front of the camera and share his story.
To see more images and hear more about Matt, watch the video below.
