Meet Matthew Issac Pena: 13 Years Old and Already Exploring Expressive Music Production
At just 13 years old, Matthew Issac Pena is already exploring the possibilities of modern music production — and he is finding a way to bring more expression into virtual instruments. It is a great example of how today's music technology can give young musicians new ways to experiment, create and develop their own music.
A Young Musician Exploring New Technology
At only 13 years old, Matthew Issac Pena is already experimenting with techniques that combine musicianship, technology, and music production.
There are no limits to how a young musician can approach a virtual instrument. With tools like AirMotion Neo, the computer becomes more than just a playback device — it becomes an instrument that can respond to the musician.
Matthew's performance shows how expressive MIDI control can become part of the creative process from an early age.
Watch Matthew in Action
Watch Matthew Issac Pena using AirMotion Neo to control a trumpet VST, shaping expression and dynamics with his breath while performing.
Turning Breath Into MIDI Control
Matthew's setup combines a MIDI keyboard, a trumpet virtual instrument, and AirMotion Neo.
Rather than controlling every expressive parameter with a traditional MIDI knob or wheel, Matthew uses his breath as an additional source of musical control.
With AirMotion Neo, breath can be mapped to MIDI parameters such as:
Expression
Dynamics
Volume
Vibrato
Other MIDI CC parameters
This allows Matthew to shape the virtual trumpet while he plays, creating natural changes in intensity throughout his phrases.
A Different Way to Approach Music Production
For young musicians growing up with digital instruments, music production isn't limited to simply playing notes on a keyboard.
Technology opens the door to experimenting with different ways of controlling sound.
Matthew's setup is a great example: the keyboard is used to play the notes, while AirMotion Neo gives him another physical way to influence the sound through his breath.
The result is a more interactive and expressive approach to playing a virtual instrument.
When Your Breath Becomes a MIDI Controller
One of the most interesting things about AirMotion Neo is the simplicity of the concept.
You breathe into the controller, and your breath is translated into MIDI data that can be assigned to parameters inside your music software.
This makes it possible to use breath as part of a modern music-production workflow — whether you're working with virtual wind instruments, synthesizers, or other MIDI-compatible software.
Matthew's example shows how young musicians can explore new creative possibilities by combining traditional musicianship with modern technology.
