El Encanto

Photo by Jay Matsueda

"...creatively inspired...masterful"
Soundboard Magazine

Diferencias Diferentes was "composed for Greif, who executed the piece beautifully...(with) an easy, expressive command."
Los Angeles Times

Throughout the recording, Matthew Greif's playing is superb...a delight to listen to...Greif's performance [of Koyunbaba] ranks among the best I've heard."
Classical Guitar Magazine

"One of the best young classical guitarists around today"
Chet Atkins

...a pristine performance of Carlo Domeniconi's Koyunbaba.
Guitar Review Magazine Website



Fluid technical command, natural expressivity and a remarkable versatility distinguish guitarist Matthew Greif. Matthew is the newest member of the Grammy-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, with whom he has toured worldwide. Previously, he was a member of the Falla Guitar Trio. In addition to his work with LAGQ, and as soloist, he performs in an array of concert settings. Past performances include the L.A. Philharmonic Green Umbrella series at Disney Hall, and appearances with legends Dave Brubeck and Chet Atkins.

Matthew's diversity is represented by his recordings. His critically-acclaimed debut recording, Permanent Transition, featured the world premieres of World Music/Classical solo compositions as well as duo improvisations with Andrew York and Dusan Bogdanovic. El Encanto features favorites of the classical guitar repertoire. His latest, Circle, is a modern jazz recording, featuring mostly original compositions. Playing on the album with Matthew are the extraordinary talents Ric Fierabracci (Chick Corea) on bass, and drummers Walter Rodriguez and Cougar Estrada (Los Lobos). Matthew also recorded a duet with Scott Tennant on the Delos recording Wild Mountain Thyme.

Matthew currently teaches guitar at Cal State University - Dominguez Hills, El Camino College and Los Angeles Harbor College.

Raised in a family of musicians, Matthew's early musical education took place on many instruments, in many musical styles. It was finally the guitar which captured his full attention. Upon completion of his Master's and Bachelor's degrees from U.S.C., where he studied with William Kanengiser, Scott Tennant, and James Smith, Matthew was named Outstanding Graduate of the guitar department. Prior to his studies at U.S.C., Matthew studied with Ann Waller at Northwestern University and with Michael Fowler of the University of Tulsa. Matthew has also studied in masterclasses with David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Manuel Barrueco, and many others. He spent two summers studying in Spain with Jose Tomas and Pepe Romero. He has studied improvisation with Joe Diorio, Mark Pratt and Frank Potenza.