Matthew | Teacher #4786
About Matthew
Matthew offers personalized cello instruction online and in students’ homes throughout Vancouver and UBC. With a Master of Music from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Music from UBC, he has studied with distinguished mentors and participated in prestigious programs like Domaine Forget and Orford Arts Centre. He specializes in RCM preparation and emphasizes healthy, individualized technique for learners aged six through adult.
Cello RCM
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Pop Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
I believe every student has different needs as well as different strengths and weaknesses. I try to tailor my teaching to best serve each student. I believe in establishing a strong technical foundation so that students can play the pieces that they are interested in without feeling inhibited. I believe cello playing is a lot more fun when one is not dealing with pain or feeling discomfort so I try to prioritize healthy playing at the beginning. When the student feels good with the physical motions of the cello it is also much easier to teach the musical aspects of cello playing. I often teach the Royal Conservatory curriculum but I am open to any repertoire ideas that the student may have.
Musical Education
I have a Master of Music degree from the University of Calgary where I studied with John Kadz and Johanne Perron. John Kadz became a member of the Houston Symphony at age 17 and later became Principal Cellist of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2017 he was made a Fellow at the Royal Conservatory of Music for his contributions to the Canadian music scene. Johanne Perron is an active chamber musician and solo performer. She was a student of Aldo Parisot at Yale and and also studied with Leonard Rose at the Julliard School. She previously taught at the University of Montreal before coming to Calgary. I also studied with Professor Eric Wilson at the University of British Columbia during my Bachelor of Music Degree. Eric Wilson was a founding member of the Emerson String Quartet which won Walter W. Naumberg competition Prize for Chamber Ensemble . He was a student of Leonard Rose with whom he studied at the Julliard School in New York.
Awards and Distinctions
During my studies I received the following scholarships and awards: Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, University of Calgary Master’s Scholarship, Queen Elizabeth II (Master’s) Scholarship, Pachkowski Family Bursary, Stephanson Cooke Award, Harry and Marjorie Anne Slim Memorial Scholarship in Music, Leslie J. Field Memorial Scholarship, Mildred Johnson Scholarship in Music.
Special Skills and Trainings
While in Calgary I also spent four years in the Advanced Performance Program at Mount Royal University Conservatory. I have attended summer sessions at Domaine Forget and the Orford Arts Centre in Québec where I had the privilege to learn from artists such as Lynn Harrell and Raphael Wallfisch. I have played in lessons and masterclasses with artists such as Clive Greensmith, Colin Carr, Melissa Kraut, Eric Kim, Rachel Mercer and Desmond Hoebig.
Lessons in your home
Matthew is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- University Endowment Lands-UBC, BC
- Vancouver, BC
Lessons on an online platform
Matthew can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Matthew is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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