Rob Mathes Lecture

Rob Mathes, writer of arrangements for artists as diverse as Sting, Elton John, Panic! At the Disco, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennet, Vanessa Carlton, Ghostface Killah, Bowling For Soup and many more. Jay Arcansalin/ UVU Review

“It’s your passion that will drive your creativity,” said composer/songwriter Rob Mathes during his two hour visit to UVU on Wednesday.

“I think that’s the way all of us are,” said Mathes. “When you start to write, you write about those things that you are deeply interested in. And that is always the most compelling, the best in writing that I’ve ever been.”

Mathes spoke from a wealth of experience, having written arrangements for artists as diverse as Sting, Elton John, Panic! At The Disco, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Vanessa Carlton, Ghostface Killah, Bowling For Soup and many more. He expressed his hope to the about 200 students and faculty in the Library Auditorium that young artists would continue to develop their talents, because they often produce some of the best pieces.

“The more you learn about music, the more you practice, the more you investigate, the more things you’ve written, the more experience you have in being able to solve your problems,” said Mathes.

Students asked a wide range of questions, ranging from perspectives on independent labels and modern copyright laws to the process of creating new songs and experiences working with so many well-known artists. Mathes cordially explained his perspectives, and encouraged students to ignore their doubts and to pursue their dreams.

At the end of the lecture, Mathes sang an original piece, the emotions of his ideas washing across the room in a ballad that was echoed by those in attendance, as he asked the audience to add their voices to the music.