MATT ARNETT

Composer of awesome music
Educator of awesome students

NEW RELEASES - 2026

Tap images to visit publisher website for recordings and score previews!

PUBLISHED WORKS

String Orchestra (Grade 1-2)

  • Shadow and Flame - Grade 1 - Kendor
    Fast and dramatic clash between a dragon and treasure-seeking adventurers!

  • In Memory of Goodbye - Grade 1 - Kendor
    Sweet and reflective, this piece is in honor of those to whom we must say goodbye

  • Falling Into Starlight - Grade 1.5 - Kendor
    This fun work features eight one-measure solos playable on any instrument, as well as a synocpated groove and pop song form

  • Precipice - Grade 2 - Kendor
    This high-energy programmatic work has lots of fun glissandos, sudden changes in dynamics, and uses all finger patterns

String Orchestra (Grade 2.5-4)

  • Into the Depths - Grade 2.5 - Kendor
    A ship at sea, a storm above, and something unseen lurks beneath the waves. 1st violin has a short 3rd position passage.

  • Under the Big Tent - Grade 3 - Kendor
    Step right up! This playful piece is inspired by the wild antics of a circus. Lots of switching between C and C#

  • Skyfleet Traders - Grade 4 - Kendor
    The main theme is quick, while the contrasting middle section is slow and lyrical. The piece features shifting in all parts


ABOUT

Matt Arnett is the Director of Orchestras at Cedar Lee Middle School in Bealeton, Virginia, a position he has held since 2022. Under his direction, the orchestra program has grown from 50 to more than 170 students, and its ensembles consistently receive Superior and Excellent ratings at adjudicated festivals. Many of his compositions are written for and premiered by his own students.Arnett's first compositions for string orchestra were published by Kendor Music in 2024, and he has since had numerous works published. While studying at Brigham Young University, he won the National Association for Music Education Student Composers Competition in 2019 and received an honorable mention in 2021. When not teaching, composing, or performing, Matt enjoys reading fantasy novels, distance running, and spending time with his wife and children.

CONTACT ME

If you wish to contact me about any of my works or a possible commission, just email!