Matt was my first composition teacher.  I studied privately with him to make up for lack of a bachelor's degree in music and in preparation for graduate studies in music.  Eight years after I began studying with Matt, I received a PhD in music composition from the Eastman School of Music, largely thanks to Matt, as my lessons with him were highly formative.  He was very kind and generous, as well as knowledgeable, intelligent and interesting.  I was very fortunate that he took me under his wing and will be forever grateful.

I've known Matt since our days at Oberlin. He was a joy to know; funny, thoughtful, kind, with a quirky grin and a wry wit. Wow! He'll be missed by so many friends, as well as family. May God bless and comfort you, all. He was a beautiful human being.

Matt was a sweet and caring soul. I am deeply saddened by his early passing and wish my most sincere sympathies to his loved ones.

I was happy to know Matt, sad to know that he is gone.  For all those close to him, I offer enduring sympathy.

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

Only just now discovered Dr. Fields through his wonderful music. As it turns out we are both from Chicago originally and have similar backgrounds. Wish I had met him. My condolences to his family and friends.

Saddened by the news, my deepest condolences to Matt's family. 

I'll miss his sense of humor!

PLEASE EXCEPT MY SINCEREST SYMPATHY.PLEASE BE COMFORTED BY ISAIAH 61:1-2 WHICH STATES IN PART:"GOD HAS SENT HIS SON TO BIND UP THE BROKENHEARTED AND COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN".

We at The American Prize were deeply saddened by this news. Matthew was a finalist or runner-up in various categories of competition over a number of years, displaying a scientist's exactitude and a humanist's sense of humor, and a fine composer's gift for color and idea. 

I grieve with his family and colleagues, and will very much miss the arrival of an envelope of Matthew's fine music this spring.

David

David Katz, chief judge
The American Prize
www.theamericanprize.org

I attended junior high and high school with Matt. He was a kind and gentle soul back then. He was always very brilliant and light years ahead of everyone else.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Matt's wife and family.

                                                               Laura Segal-Wolk (Chicago, Illinois)

Cynthia, We will miss him here at UMHS.  My condolences to all of his family and clearly wide circle of friends.
Karen Hollingsworth

I'm so sorry for your loss, Cynthia. He will be missed, and yes, his music lives on.

I am so sorry to learn of the loss of such a bright man and gentle soul.  My condolences to his wife and family.

A kind soul, an open heart and mind. This is how I'll remember Matt. My condolences to all his family and friends.

A great light in the world of music has gone out. Deep condolences to Dr Matt's wife and family.

Cynthia and family, we are so sorry for the loss of this gentle and great man. We hold you in heart and mind. He will not be forgotten.

OBITUARY

Matthew Henry Fields

15 December, 1961 – 7 February, 2016

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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