Information About Matthew - Canterbury teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

My name is Matt and I live and work in Canterbury. I am studying for a PhD in composition at the Royal Northern College of Music, focusing on wind orchestra composition. I am also a violist and this is a particular interest of mine when I compose.

I studied composition at Canterbury Christ Church University with Roderick Watkins and then at the RNCM with Adam Gorb and Paul Patterson, who are now my PhD supervisors.

Although when I start a specific composition project I may become focused for a long while, I like to write in many different styles and genres. I have had the pleasure to work with some wonderful soloists including violist, Paul Beckett; pianist, Yshani Perinpanayagam; and soprano, Rhona Mckail.

Tutoring Experience:

I have taught composition, theory and instrumental lessons to pupils in Kent across all ages for about ten years now. This consists mostly of individual one to one tuition. Having received composition lessons myself during much of that time, I consider myself as having rich experience from both points of view. This has given me a deep understanding of how to approach tutorials constructively and sensitively.

I have recent experience running violin groups at Canterbury Steiner School. Although technical in some respects, these classes generally had a particular focus on creativity.

Tutoring Approach:

Composition as a subject is perhaps one of the most diverse and subjective art forms without a doubt. I think I have a scientific mind, so in composition tutorials, I will often encourage pupils to think of their endeavours a bit problem solving. Everyone has their own way of doing this, and I find this helps me to compose. Intuition and method may play varying roles in an individual's creative process.

I consider my role as a tutor as one of guidance in the loosest possible sense. I facilitate my pupils' creativity to the point where they are the composer; I avoid telling composers what they should or shouldn't do. However, I ensure that my pupils learn from each session and build up their knowledge and abilities so that they can gain independence. Most importantly, I see it as my job to make sure that any pupil I teach leaves feeling more inspired than when they arrive!