Information About Matthew - Hackney teacher -

(1 review)

Personal Description:

I am a professional composer and Professor of Composition at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. In addition to my teaching commitments, I regularly write pieces for concert performances, and have had works performed in various prestigious venues across the the country and abroad (such as the BBC Proms and Lucerne Festival), by several professional performers and groups such as the LSO and BBC Symphony Orchestra. For details, please visit **E-mail Address Removed**.

Tutoring Experience:

I have extensive experience of teaching at a variety of levels. I have been a Professor of Composition and Academic Studies at the Guildhall for several years, teaching one-to-one composition across all levels from undergraduate to doctoral, and classes in harmony and counterpoint, orchestration, analysis and theory, and have supervised many dissertations. I also have experience of running the composition department as Acting Head (in 2024) and the BMus programme as Acting Associate Head (in 2017 and 2024).

Previously, I was a Teaching Fellow at King's College London, where I led modules in Techniques of Composition and Analysis. I have also taught composition and theory as a consultant in secondary schools, courses at the Guildhall Summer School, and piano to young beginners, giving me experience of working with a wide variety of age groups. I have externally examined doctorates in composition, and acted as an external examiner for undergraduate programmes.

Tutoring Approach:

I am thoroughly dedicated to music education and the tuition of composition and music theory at all levels. I strongly believe in adapting my approach according to the individual needs and talents of each student; I always do my utmost to help students achieve the best results they possibly can. Music (especially composition) cannot be taught through any particular formula, and a good teacher needs to perceive the individual strengths and weaknesses of each tutee.

I can give guidance and support students wishing to apply to study for composition at conservatoires, having chaired and sat on audition panels at the Guildhall for many years. I am also particularly familiar with the ABRSM Theory syllabus (up to Grade 8 level), having taught this as part of a course at the Guildhall Summer School and privately for many years.