Born and raised in Berks County, PA, Matt Brown moved away to attend college and start life as a professional musician, only to return and continue his career right back where things started. He produces handcrafted furniture and goods in his shop (Pagoda City Woodworks, named after the Pagoda that sits atop the mountain in Reading), incorporating both traditional (hand tool) woodworking with modern power tools.
A professional musician and teacher for over twenty five years, Matt has taught at Kutztown University, Montclair State University, Franklin and Marshall University, Millersville University, Michigan State University, Florida Atlantic University, and the Harid Conservatory at Lynn University. He holds degrees from Mansfield University and Michigan State University, and has performed throughout the United States and abroad.
“It all started when I was just a kid, and my dad guided me through building my own tool tote. My interest in woodworking and finishing continued through my life with everything from designing and building our deck with my father, to operating an antique phonograph repair business where I would restore and rebuild antique wind-up phonographs. A professional musician for 25+ years, I now focus on woodworking full-time.
My shop is one of my favorite places to be, and I enjoy working on a wide variety of projects, from making furniture to restoring/repairing antique phonographs, to writing.
While I no longer perform as a musician, I’ve never lost my interest in being creative. I’ve always had a passion for sharing my love of creative arts with others, and helping them to grow.”