Phil Mattson – Vocal Arranger

Writing/Essay/Journal

The first time Phil Mattson played a chord on the piano as a five year old, “the hair on his head and back stood

up.” From that moment on, he couldn't resist music. Write about a time when you did something that felt

completely engaging and made you never want to stop doing it.

Activity

Jazz music is considered to be a uniquely American form of music. Do some research to learn more about jazz

music. Look up the composers he mentions: Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin. As you research,

identify another significant jazz musician from history and prepare a 5-minute long report including a brief

biography and that person’s main contributions to the genre. Try to locate one recording of that artist that

illustrates your research and share that with the class as part of your presentation.