
Matt Hornbeck
Los Angeles based guitarist.
Adapting to Every Musical Situation
Live
With over a decade of professional experience in a wide range of styles—including country, rock, jazz, funk, pop, band, and solo guitar—Matt has acquired many skills essential for a successful career in music. His journey has equipped him with a vast toolkit, enabling him to thrive in various musical settings.
Recording
Matt has worked at renowned studios such as Sunset Sound, Capitol, The Village, and EastWest Studios, recording and producing tracks in some of the best facilities Los Angeles has to offer. He is also fully capable and regularly produces guitar tracks remotely for various artists and composers.
Education
Matt currently is faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood and California School of the Arts (CSArts) in Duarte, Matt brings over a decade of professional experience and a wealth of knowledge in various musical settings and styles. He enjoys sharing his passion for music with students of all ages, helping them save time and avoid the pitfalls on their musical journeys.
Highlights
Some cools things...
"Rewind"
Honored to have tracked guitars for Arlene Zelina's "Rewind". It was a blast getting to recreate many iconic guitar parts to classic songs.
John Legend
It was an honor to track guitar on John Legend's cover of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)". Remains one the highlights of my career.
The White Blinds
A funky, soulful jazz organ trio project with myself, Carey Frank and Michael Duffy. Check it out.
Bio
Matt Hornbeck is a highly versatile and sought-after guitarist with a wide-ranging skill set that has led to many exciting opportunities throughout his career. His dedication to professionalism and attention to detail, combined with his proficiency in sight reading and improvisation, have earned him a reputation as a musician who can adapt to any situation.
Growing up in Ohio, Matt Hornbeck was raised on a steady diet of classic rock, with bands like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Steely Dan being among his favorites. To this day, he holds a deep affection for this music, which has had a significant influence on his own style.
Matt's musical interests expanded significantly when he discovered jazz through artists like John Scofield and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. This newfound passion led him to study jazz at Morehead State University and the University of North Texas, where he honed his skills as a musician and deepened his knowledge of different styles.
After graduating, Matt entered to the DFW scene, where he quickly established himself as a versatile and reliable musician capable of playing in a wide variety of genres. He also developed a love of recording, which eventually led him to Los Angeles, where he has lived since 2012.
Today, Matt is a respected figure in the LA music scene, known for his ability to blend different styles and influences into a cohesive whole. He teaches at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, and continues to record and perform with some of the best musicians in the world.
Apart from his work as a supporting musician, Matt is a skilled composer and bandleader. In 2021, he released his debut album, "Some of My Stuff," showcasing his unique approach to songwriting and recording. The album seamlessly blends various styles and influences. In 2024, Matt released two new projects. In February, a jazz duo record titled "First Set" with bassist Brian Ward, featuring eight original tunes. In June, a five-song EP entitled “Winter” later this year, this time featuring a rhythm section and a three-piece horn section.
Contact Matt
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