We’re looking forward to introducing you to Crystal E. Mata. Check out our conversation below.
Crystal E., so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
The fall always tends to be a little busier for me. The school year just started and music festival season is in full swing. I just returned from New Orleans. Memphis is next. A typical day usually starts with confirming my student schedule for the rest of the week. There is always some moving around that has to be done. Scheduling often determines what, if any, outside projects I can work on. I try to dedicate time to keeping up with my website and social media. I’ll spend time doing research on music history subjects or finding music for students. Lunch meetings are a regular occurrence. Then it’s off to classes followed by rehearsals or events. I love teaching but just being in the music industry is my passion. Any opportunity that comes along to be involved in something musical, I often take.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Crystal E. Mata owner of CMata Music. I’m a private music teacher for students age 7-99! CMata Music was started in honor of my grandmother, Rachel. She was the neighborhood piano teacher when I was growing up. She taught me everything I know about true musicianship. She embodied it. She was never in it for the money. Her passion was rooted in love of music. That’s what CMata Music is all about. Continuing her legacy by teaching musicianship. It’s not just the about playing the song. It’s how you feel and express it. Fundamentals are the building blocks.
I also work for a local music festival called Springboard Music Festivals and Conferences as the production manager. I started as a volunteer 11 years ago. We started in Houston and have now expanded to San Diego, New Orleans, and Memphis. As production manager, I help with selection, planning, programming, and day of activities. The running joke with returning mentors and artists is that I’m the, “whip with the clipboard.”
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Wow. These are good, deep questions. I’ve never been what the world told me to be. I was born with a genetic disorder called Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia. I’m affected through my hair, teeth and nails. Essentially, my hair grows very slowly and has never gotten longer than a buzz cut, my teeth were (I had braces) very crooked and they have a natural calcium deficiency, and my nails are thick, slightly discolored and more of a dome shape. And when one breaks, the whole thing breaks. Needless to say, I was a very shy child. I didn’t have many friends but the few I had, are still friends to this day.
What I do remember, I was a happy child until school. Bullies are mean. It’s harder now being bullied in person and online, but it still hurt then. I’m sure the world wanted me to be the typical sad child but I found music. Or rather, music found me. Then I realized, it didn’t matter what the world wanted. It’s what I wanted.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
More times than I ever should have. It’s always over finances. Except for the 2 times that stick out the most. When I was going into middle school I was determined to be smarter. I had to be better. I went to a science and math school. It was the worst year of my life. I was bullied everyday, harassed by other students, and spent most of my days in my counselors office. I gave up music that year. I stopped because I thought it was for the better. I was terribly wrong. My grandmother passed when I was 16 and I made a promise to her that I would never give up again. Fast forward to 5 years ago. Oh COVID made us all do really dumb things. This time I tried to keep music around me. I kept a few students just to keep my soul at ease and yet. I had the worst work experience of my life. I took it as a sign from the powers that be, “you don’t belong anywhere else ma’am.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Other than the typical, the most “important” demo is 18-35 and young blonde country singer, there’s one I will stand by until the world stops. “Anyone can play an instrument or sing.” Yes, anyone can play/sing it but not everyone is gonna play/sing it well. Not everyone is going to put in the time and dedication to learn the instrument. After teaching for 15 years, I’ve seen more students not go on to study music, than study it. It’s hard work. Its not just for anyone. But that can be said about any industry. Not everyone is a lawyer, or a doctor, or a judge. Why? Because it’s not for everyone. But everyone can have music appreciation. Everyone can learn about music.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
Is it cliche to say when I’m performing? (haha) Seriously though, there is a certain out-of-body experience that happens when I’m on stage. My body lets the muscle memory take over and nothing can touch me. Nothing.
I’m not entirely sure what true peace feels like but if it’s anything like that, I want it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cemata7.wixsite.com/cmatamusic
- Instagram: @cmatamusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-e-mata-9014b923/
- Facebook: @cmatamusic
- Other: TikTok – @cmatamusic
Image Credits
Ron Fontenot
