matt quistorf

What is your favorite part of coaching at ROC Star Academy? 

I really enjoy watching the multitude of young musicians, solo and in bands, gain the experience needed to become the future of our local music scene.

 

Hometown: Hilton, NY

 

Your musical focus/instruments you play:

I’ve been a guitarist for over 35 years but have learned to be proficient on bass and drums as well.

 

What is your musical background?

I began private lessons at the age of 12 before being hired by my guitar teacher, George Collichio, at the age of 15 as an instructor for his music school.  I was there for 17 years before opening up my own home studio in Greece.  I’ve spent many many hours as a hired studio musician as well as gigging in local bands since the mid 90s.  Currently I perform in the local 80s tribute band, Hall Pass, which I’ve called home for over 10 years.

 

What are your musical influences/favorite bands? 

I grew up on the late 80s hair bands so I love all of that stuff!  My main influences include Living Colour, Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert and King’s X.

 

What one album would you choose if you were stranded on a deserted island? 

Without a shadow of a doubt it would be "Awake" by Dream Theater. That album is just the perfect amount of progressive rock with a ton of dynamics, textures and an incredible mix for a 1994 release.

 

What is your favorite venue or event that you’ve performed?

By far my favorite has been headlining the Fairport Music Festival with Hall Pass.

 

What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on-stage?

The railroad stage at the Fairport Music Fest, my first time playing. I didn’t bring an extra guitar because I wasn’t sure of space and time constraints. The end of the first song I snapped a string on a Floyd Rose Ibanez guitar which causes the whole thing to go wildly out-of-tune.  By some miracle I was able to change the string out, I always keep tools nearby, in less than 2 minutes which was just enough time to get back into the next song before the first verse.  Wowza!

What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve received in your career thus far?

Number one priority is play because you love the instrument.  I see a lot of musicians that grind and grind and grind to the point where being a musician feels like a job.  It was your passion that got you into music so let that passion be the reason you continue throughout the years.