Founder & Director, Mattock School of Music

Mastering Performance. Mentoring Musicians.

Building a sustainable music ecosystem—where artistic excellence and community growth harmonize—is why I founded the Mattock School of Music. My focus has been on mentoring both the students who walk through our doors and the professional musicians who teach them.

Now, I'm scaling the business with that same intent, ensuring our operational foundation supports our artistic ambition for the next chapter.

About Dave Mattock

A professional pianist and educator with over 25 years in the industry, he built his school in 2011 on a foundation of elite performance credentials and a deep commitment to accessible education.He holds a Master’s in Jazz History from Rutgers and a Bachelor’s in Jazz Performance from Temple. Dave serves on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania and Camden County College. As a performer, he has released four jazz albums and his compositions have been featured on TV and film.

His leadership extends beyond the studio. Dave is the Board President of The Kennett Flash music venue, the founder of the Kennett Jazz Festival, and a key member of The Hub group developing the Kennett Arts Center.

How Dave Has Built a Thriving Music Ecosystem

Dave’s philosophy ensures music education is both high-quality and deeply connected, elevating teachers, engaging students, and enriching the entire community.

• Elevating Teaching Artists to Enrich Student Experience: Dave’s "teacher-first" model transforms professional musicians into dedicated mentors. By supporting their growth and independence, he fosters a stable, inspired faculty. This commitment creates a consistent learning environment where students build skills with teachers invested in their long-term progress. This foundational approach has successfully scaled the school to a community of 120 students guided by 12 teaching artists.
• Building Stages to Showcase and Inspire the Next Generation: Dave knows real-world experience is crucial. His leadership in founding the Kennett Jazz Festival and steering The Kennett Flash directly creates performance opportunities within the community, a critical component of musical growth. Furthermore, his board service for If Not For Music, a nonprofit that raises money for kids to study music, directly tackles the financial barriers to arts education.

Dave believes that music is for everyone. His work ensures that passion and craft are supported by a resilient foundation, fostering the next generation of musicians and the community that celebrates them.