Host profile: Matt Fritts
Name: Matt Fritts
Show: Piano Forte, Thursdays 7 - 9 p.m.
What's your day job and/or other volunteer activities in the community?
Day job: UVA Employee Well-Being. Volunteer: Natural Dharma Fellowship.
How long have you been a host at WTJU? 2 years
Why did you become a WTJU host?
I've played piano for 40 years, love listening to classical piano, and wanted to share my passion for great music with my community.
What do you want to share with the world?
How music can relax the body, expand the mind, and uplift the soul
Tell us about one of your biggest gaffs while in the studio. (We've all got one, right?)
Mis-pronouncing the title of Judith Shatin's "Chai Variations." I pronounced it like the Indian tea, but a listener called in and kindly pointed out the correct pronunciation
Favorite moments in the air studio?
I really enjoyed meeting hosts from other departments while breaking the Guinness World Record and helping build bookcases during the move from Lambeth to Ivy Road
If you could interview anyone on air, dead or alive, who would it be?
The Dalai Lama. He's so humble, inspiring and jolly!
What are your guilty pleasures? (Music or otherwise)
Coffee
How has it felt being a radio host during this pandemic?
Quiet, but great to have a reason to get out of the house. I've enjoyed being able to bring my canine co-host (Cooper) to keep me company in the studio!
What are your passions outside of music?
hiking, yoga, tennis
Why does WTJU matter?
Announcers bring their enthusiasm and passion for music more fully to listeners, because we can curate our own shows