Matthew Cochran, D.M.

About Matthew

Guitarist/Composer Matthew Cochran is establishing a bold new repertoire for the guitar in the 21st century. Combining elements of romanticism, minimalism, and popular music, Cochran’s compositions are performed by a growing list of leading concert artists and ensembles. No Depression raves, “The pure emotive quality of Cochran’s music pulls you into its embrace and empties your heart with every note.” Cochran’s original works are published by Les Editions d’Oz.

As a performer, Cochran is praised for his “commanding stage presence, intimate expression and inventive interpretation” (Soundboard). Cochran’s many recordings, performances, and interviews have been featured on NPR, BBC, CBC, and Radio Poland; podcasts and web series including Gallery of Guitar, One-Track Podcast, This is Classical Guitar, and Classical Guitar Insider; and syndicated radio programs such as Latino USA and Classical Guitar Alive. He is a frequent guest on Interlochen Public Radio’s In Studio A and Kids Commute. Cochran is often sought out by recording artists for his work as an audio and video producer.

From 2014-2016, Cochran wrote, produced, and hosted Goes2Eleven, a podcast about the world of the guitar which reached over 10,000 weekly listeners. Cochran currently co-hosts the YouTube series Duo Talk, a lively, informative, and at times irreverent exploration of the world of the guitar with his partner, Scottish virtuoso Matthew McAllister. Cochran and McAllister premiered their duo project in 2023 with tours in Scotland and the U.S. The pair quickly established themselves as a major new voice in the guitar world through a combination of unique, accessible programming and their easygoing onstage rapport.

Cochran’s students have been awarded scholarships to the finest universities and conservatories in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, and have been featured on NPR's From the Top. Performances from the Interlochen Guitar program have been featured on American Public Media's Performance Today.

No two students are alike, and no musical career can be successfully replicated. Teaching music is an evergreen profession and new challenges and opportunities present themselves every day.