Building a Musical Life with Matthew Lorenz: Practice, Passion, and Performing
Every musician’s path looks different, but the journey to understanding music connects us all. In this episode of the Popplers Podcast, pianist and educator Matthew Lorenz shares how curiosity, persistence, and great teaching shaped his musicianship. From his first piano lessons in Fargo, North Dakota to his work inspiring students in Chicago, his story offers valuable lessons for every learner and teacher.
Learning to Listen: Where Every Musician Begins
For Matthew, music began as a Christmas gift. His parents signed him up for piano lessons, but it was not until age sixteen that he truly started practicing. “You have a long period of plateauing,” he says, “and then you discover what makes the music feel alive.”
That discovery came when classical music suddenly felt urgent. He began listening to composers like Prokofiev, Mussorgsky, and Ravel. Once he began truly listening, everything changed.
“If music feels important, if you can’t help but listen, you are more likely to succeed because it draws you in.” – Matthew Lorenz
How Practice Becomes Progress
Every teacher knows the challenge of helping students want to practice. As a piano faculty member at New Music School in Chicago, Matthew’s approach is rooted in curiosity and balance. He compares piano practice to a mix of Whac-A-Mole and an arcade target game. You focus on improving one area, only to realize others need attention too. The key is patience and awareness.
“Piano practice,” he explains, “is about keeping all your musical skills improving at once. Rhythm, tone, touch, listening, phrasing. You cannot raise one without nurturing the others.”
He encourages teachers to help students find joy in mistakes. Each wrong note is an opportunity to better understand the instrument and the music.
The Power of Teachers and Environment
Matthew’s growth was shaped by access to great teachers and a supportive school environment. In high school, he practiced on a grand piano available to students after class. That access inspired him to stay longer and explore more. He also took a composition course that encouraged creativity beyond performance.
“If you have the privilege of hearing someone clearly explain what the piano is and how it works, it can change your life.” – Matthew Lorenz
What Learning Multiple Instruments Teaches You
Matthew also studied cello and played in chamber groups throughout his education. That experience helped him understand music as a language. Playing cello taught him to listen differently, collaborate more effectively, and appreciate the conversation that happens between instruments.
“Playing another instrument,” he says, “is a gateway to understanding other people’s musical challenges. It teaches you to listen and respond.”
For students, this is a powerful reminder that every new instrument opens new ways to communicate musically.
Music and Math: Finding Patterns and Purpose
Lorenz’s other major was mathematics. At first glance, it might seem unrelated, but he sees clear connections between math and music. Both require pattern recognition, structure, and creativity. “Students who love math and music share one thing in common,” he says. “They notice details. Small changes mean a lot to people who notice things.”
That kind of awareness shapes not only how musicians practice but also how they think and listen.
Lessons for Every Music Student and Teacher
Matthew Lorenz’s story reminds us that music education thrives on curiosity, not perfection. Students grow fastest when they are encouraged to:
- Listen deeply and discover what inspires them.
- Embrace the challenge of balanced and mindful practice.
- Seek guidance from teachers who bring clarity and enthusiasm.
- Stay curious and explore new instruments, genres, and ideas.
At Popplers Music, we celebrate educators like Matthew who keep the joy of learning alive. His journey shows that music is not just something you study. It is something you grow into every day.
Popplers Music proudly serves musicians and music educators throughout North Dakota and South Dakota. Our team offers expert advice, trusted brands, and dedicated support to help your music program thrive.
👉 Explore lesson programs, instrument rentals, and educator resources at PopplersMusic.com.