Matthew Shirey

Mr. Shirey is a K-6 music teacher to over 600 students at Osborne and Mills Elementary within Sandusky City Schools. He graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University with a BM in music education and a MM in saxophone performance from Bowling Green State University studying with renowned saxophonists Dr. Jeffrey Heisler and Dr. John Sampen.

A few of Shirey's notable accomplishments include winning the Wayne State University Concerto Competition, advancing to the semi-final round of the North American Saxophone Alliance Competition, being awarded the WSU Harry Begian Award, BGSU Single Reed Methods Assistantship, Eli David Parks Endowed Scholarship, UA Inspiring Teacher of the Month Award, and Sandusky City Schools Sweetest Teacher Award.

Mr. Shirey has been teaching private lessons for nearly 14 years and enjoys immensely working with students one on one, a luxury he doesn't get in school as he teaches 120 students per day! He has worked with students of all ages, ability levels, styles, and goals. 

My teaching style adapts to the student. We identify goals and I work with you to achieve those goals. Skills we work on include, but are not limited to, hand position, embouchure, articulation, rhythmic accuracy, intonation, tone, phrasing, air support, memorization, performing and much more. The most important aspect of my teaching is to make the lesson, practicing, and music making a joyful experience. If you do not like what you are doing you will stop! I teach with high energy and am confident I can help you reach your goals.