Musical artist Matthew Beal is proof that one can take their biggest lifelong passion and turn it into a gratifying career. When he first picked up a guitar at the age of six he was hooked on making music, he said, and through decades of perseverance has made a name for himself in the industry as a performer, educator, songwriter, producer and promoter.
Beal, who goes by the professional name Matthew Thomas, hails from Long Island where he began playing at local clubs at the age of 15.
He was mentored by a local musician who introduced him to such artists as Ritchie Blackmore of Black Sabbath and exposed him to every aspect of behind-the-scenes musical production.
As a high schooler, he studied jazz and classical music and music theory, and at the age of 17 attended New York University.
Eventually becoming an educator himself, he taught at a private music school in New York City before transitioning into the field of musical production where he ran the gamut as a pop/rock artist, songwriter and talent promoter.
Currently, the 15-year resident of Woodgate continues his craft as a member of ASCAP and a full time staffwriter with LCB Music Publishing and Matthew Thomas Productions.
He also performs with the regional band, Rose Red, and teaches music at Big Apple Music North in Boonville.
Beal said he is blessed to have had the opportunity availed to him by living in a larger metropolitan area where there was a wider exposure to the ins and outs of the music industry.
And now he wants to open that world to local young people by hosting a musical event at the Strand Theatre on Thursday, June 5th.
“I want to expose youths who are interested in music to the many aspects of the music industry and demonstrate that they can make a career from something they love,” Beal said.
The live acoustical performance will cover songs from the ‘60’s through present day and include every genre of music from heavy metal, to pop, rock and country.
“The production might not be the scope of what you would see in a big national arena, but will certainly provide the kids with the same professional atmosphere on a smaller scale,” he said.
Opening the show will be local musical artist and Town of Webb School alumnus Gwen Tracy.
Rose Red will also perform along with a special guest artist, whose identity Beal is keeping close to the vest until the night of the show.
Following the performance there will be a question and answer period and an opportunity for those interested to get a closer look at the production’s behind-the-scenes action.
“I want the kids to see that there are great careers to be had in the field of music. There wouldn’t be a show without lighting and sound engineers, set designers and stage managers. They’re the ones who make it happen,” said Beal.