Matt Panayides is an exploratory jazz guitarist who is passionate about performing
music and sharing it with others. Born in Cincinnati and raised in Indianapolis, he
has been leading his own groups in New York for more than 10 years. While always
seeking his own voice on his instrument, Matt’s playing has been influenced by guitar
giants such as Grant Green, Pat Martino, Allan Holdsworth and Jimmy Raney. His
compositions seek to paint a picture in the listeners’ mind which feels both unforced
and fresh. His compelling melodies remain sing-able and uncomplicated while offering
distinctive challenges for the improviser.

Mr. Panayides has performed or recorded with some great musicians including Mulgrew
Miller, Jane Monheit, Clark Terry, Clarence Penn, Kevin Mahogany, Dan Weiss, Rich
Perry, and Steve LaSpina among many others. He has also performed in several well-
known NYC clubs such as Birdland, Smalls, Smoke, Miles’ Café and Shrine to name a
few.

In January of 2011 Matt released his first album as a leader on the Pacific Coast Jazz
record label and has received many outstanding reviews from the jazz press. The
album features his original compositions with Rich Perry on tenor saxophone, Steve
LaSpina on bass and Dan Weiss on drums.

In 2008 Matt finished his Masters in Jazz Performance at William Paterson University.
His master’s thesis entitled: “Towards the Creation of a New Jazz Guitar Pedagogy”
details the organizational approaches of three influential jazz guitarists. He is currently
in the process of molding the lessons learned in these studies into useful pedagogical
tools for his students.

Mr. Panayides graduated from Manhattan School of Music in 2000 with a degree in
jazz guitar performance. While attending this renowned institution he was mentored by
Rodney Jones and studied with Chris Rosenberg and Gary Dial.

Matt currently splits his time between performing and teaching.

An accomplished pianist; composer and arranger Hyeseon Hong also writes many styles of music ranging from jazz and classical to pop and rock.  She plays in and composes for a wide variety of musical settings, including big band, vocal ensemble, small jazz group, chamber orchestra and funk/rock band. 

During her 10 years of activity in the New York jazz scene she sharpened her musical skills by writing for a 5 horn original ensemble consisting of some of New York’s finest players including Travis Sullivan, Nick Mancini, Joe Abbatantouano and Bob Sabin. The band has since expanded to 17 pieces and is rehearsing regularly at the Musicians Union in NYC.  In 2005 Hyeseon also formed The Hyeseon Hong Choir, featuring 4 vocalists and a rhythm section. The band quickly began performing in all the best clubs in Seoul including All That Jazz and Club Evans.

While completing her Masters of Music at New York University, Hyeseon studied with Jim McNealy, Ed Newmeister, Maria Schneider, Mike Holliber, Michael Longo and Cliff Korman.  She received a BA from Yonsei University in Seoul.