Matt Langley
About
I'm Matt Langley, a New Zealand-born songwriter, recording artist and qualified teacher currently based in Japan.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and History from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand (1992–1997), and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) from Victoria University, Wellington (2006–2007), along with a TESOL/TEFL Certificate (120 hours, World TESOL Academy, U.K., 2023). As a songwriter I am a three-time Silver Scroll nominee — New Zealand's most prestigious songwriting award — and winner of the APRA Best New Zealand Country Song Award (2010). I have collaborated with New Zealand Poet Laureate Brian Turner on an original suite of songs, and my work has been praised by Radio New Zealand, the Sunday Star Times, and the Dominion Post.
I have taught English across New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea. I currently teach at a number of universities and high schools in Japan. In New Zealand I also ran songwriting workshops for high school students, combining my creative practice with my teaching background. As an online tutor on Cafetalk (Tokyo, 2022–2023) I completed 60+ lessons with a 0% cancellation rate, receiving a personal reference from the COO of the parent company. One of my most popular lessons was "Let's Learn English with the Beatles" — combining lyric analysis, cultural context and natural conversation.
Teaching Style
My lessons are relaxed, conversational and student-led. I don't believe in rigid textbook structures — I'd rather find out what you're interested in and build from there. If you love music, film, history or travel, those become the material. I'm here to help you shape your own ideas.
For songwriting and creative writing students, I work the way I write — starting with honesty, then structure, then craft. I'll help you find your own voice rather than imitate someone else's. I'm direct with feedback but never harsh, and I believe the best learning happens when students feel safe enough to express themselves.
I'm particularly experienced working with Japanese learners and understand the specific challenges — confidence in speaking, natural rhythm and intonation, moving beyond textbook formality into genuine expression. I've lived in Japan for three years and bring that understanding to every lesson.
Curriculum
TEACHING METHOD AND RECOMMENDED STUDENT TEXTS
My approach is deeply student centered. I begin each new student relationship with a short informal conversation to understand their goals, current level, interests and any specific challenges they face. Lessons are then built around those needs rather than a fixed curriculum.
I draw on real-world material — song lyrics, poetry, fiction, news, film dialogue, and topics the student genuinely cares about. I am a voracious reader across fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and I find that authentic, living language produces more lasting results than textbook exercises.
For songwriting and creative writing students my approach is personal rather than prescriptive. I believe good writing comes from honest observation and a willingness to be specific — not from following rules. I encourage students to read widely, write freely, and bring their real thoughts and feelings to the page. We work with what the student brings rather than a set curriculum, refining and developing ideas together in a workshop spirit.
I don't follow a fixed reading list but I think that best text is always the one that speaks to the individual student so I welcome any text that has lit a spark for them personally.
Credentials & Affiliations
APRA Best New Zealand Country Song Award, 2010 Silver Scroll Nominations: 2013 (top twenty), 2017 Creative New Zealand Funding Recipient, 2012 Collaboration: Ladders of Rain with NZ Poet Laureate Brian Turner (ONZM) Cafetalk reference letter available from Mat Ikeda, COO & Co-Founder, Small Bridge Inc., Tokyo
