Matthew is an extraordinary teacher, and Studio V is an extraordinary place to learn.I have worked with other piano teachers in the past and there is no comparison. Where the other teachers focused on teaching how to play individual pieces, Matthew teaches how to play the piano. With a rigorous focus on developing proper technique and an understanding of the music, I am learning the skills that will truly enable me to play to my potential. He is a masterful diagnostician, focusing in on the student's individual needs and providing targeted exercises to overcome each challenge and promote growth and progress. I have come to piano later in life, with little prior experience. I feared my inexperience and age would be a barrier, but nothing could be further than the truth. Matthew has made me feel as welcome and valued as his most proficient students. If this all was not enough, Matthew composes very beautiful music of his own, that as his students we get to listen to, as well as learn and play. It is a really special experience. Studio V is not just a place to come for piano lessons, though. It is a place to join an expansive and welcoming community of people that share a love of music. I cannot recommend Matthew and Studio V highly enough. read more

2.5 years ago, I was looking to start taking piano lessons and came across Matthew's listing on Yelp. I was skeptical of the uniformly amazing reviews; but emailing Matthew about lessons has been one of the best decisions in my life. Truly. Growing up, I spent 20 years playing the violin and had teachers of all levels. Matthew is hands-down the most effective music teacher I've ever had. He tailors his approach to each student's musical journey and can diagnose very quickly (and very accurately) exactly what each student needs. I don't just mean areas for technical improvement (though he has genius tips to make that "click" too). Matthew also makes his students better musicians--equipping them with the theory they need to understand the music, and the tools they need to better express themselves through the music. After 2.5 years with Matthew, I am a much, much better musician than I ever was before; and my piano abilities have developed way faster than I would've expected. I can't recommend Matthew highly enough for anyone who is looking to become a better piano player (or composer!). One final note about what makes Matthew unique. He's an incredible human being and true friend to all of his students; he's not just a "piano teacher." And when you join Matthew's studio, you are welcomed into a vibrant and engaging family of musicians (of all levels and backgrounds). A gem in DC. Quit thinking about it. Studying with Matthew will change your life! read more

I have studied piano with Matthew for over a year now, after finding him on Yelp in September 2021. I had many years of experience playing the piano but little formal training, so didn't know how to play properly and struggled to improve on my own. After talking to me for a while and hearing me play very briefly, Matthew told me that in a year's time, I would be a good pianist. The short version is that he delivered on that -- I am much more technically proficient, more able to practice productively on my own, and have stronger hands and fingers thanks to the assigned exercises. In short, I feel like I know what I'm doing in a way that I never did over the prior 25+ years I played the piano. (It's also worth noting early in this review that Matthew's rates -- which you can look up on his website -- are very reasonable.) I think the key ingredient to Matthew's approach is how tailored it is to the needs of each student. When describing him to friends, I often compare him to a really good doctor who can diagnose your problem of the day and prescribe a solution. Matthew assigns pieces aimed at developing a particular skill or picking at an area of weakness. And he assigns technical exercises, generally from a thick book of exercises that he composed himself, to support my development. For example, he will hear how I am struggling to play a passage in an assigned piece and say "what you need is orange 6," referring to a tab in the technique book. I then go home and work those technical exercises, which then pay off in my ability to execute the passage I was struggling with. Part of what drew me to Matthew's studio (beyond the great Yelp reviews) was his aim to build not just individual relationships with students but a community of musicians in DC. I have really enjoyed getting to know his other students through (epic!) musical evenings at his studio and private concerts that he organizes. It's clear the admiration and gratitude his many students have for Matthew, both those currently studying with him and those who did several years ago. If you are looking to increase your enjoyment of playing the piano by getting better at it, and meeting many new wonderful friends along the way, you should definitely reach out to Matthew. read more

I've been a student with Matthew for just over 4 years and enrolling in the studio has been a great decision. After a brief introduction to piano as a child I returned to it as an adult, which is very common. Matthew's process is to work with each person individually and meet them where they are in their musical journey. He challenges his students, providing critical feedback and support where needed, while making sure they have the tools to accomplish their goals. It's been an incredible experience for me, and I've gone from beginner to playing pieces in front of an audience. Matthew also cultivates a lively studio community that is welcoming to everyone with multiple events and salons happening each year. read more

I have been Matthew's student for a year and a half. I played the piano as a kid then took a very long break before coming back to it. I wanted to play more advanced repertoire but I was not making progress on my own, so I found Matthew - everything from his website to the three-hour (!) interview suggests that this is a teacher who takes his teaching very seriously. He proves to be that and so much more. There are two key aspects of piano playing, physicality and musical expression. Matthew is highly effective in imparting both. For physicality, he creates a thick portfolio of technical exercises targeting different skills such as finger independence, strength, etc. He also strategically picks pieces that challenge students to work on their individual weaknesses. For example, I used to really struggle with big chords and octaves in a fast tempo. After working through several Chopin Polonaises, I am amazed to find out that I am much less daunted by those passages. Starting as a somewhat skilled piano player, I appreciate even more Matthew's coaching on musical expressions. He can put up with the occasional wrong notes but will not let me pass a piece until I am playing the piece in the right style and expressing something meaningful in the music. When I start to internalize that demand, non-musician friends remarked that my playing has become more polished. I also particularly enjoy the musicology-like spiels he sometimes goes into about the composer's life and the historical background related to the style of a work. As a result I feel a more profound connection to the pieces I am playing than ever before. Matthew has a deep love for classical music and is incredibly infectious with it. He hosts "salon evenings" to give his students opportunities to perform and to facilitate interesting conversations about music and beyond. He brings people together - over time he has built a wonderful community of music lovers that's welcoming to all. All these extra efforts have made one's experience at the studio much richer and entirely unique. To sum up, Matthew goes above and beyond as a piano teacher. I am grateful to him for being so invested in getting me to my goals. I strongly recommend him with no reservation. read more

For years, I envied those who could sit at a piano and play it beautifully. When I finally decided to stop envying and start playing, I did a deep search for the best music teacher in the DMV area. That's when I found Matthew. He is a deeply gifted musician and artist with a firm grasp of both music theory as well as music teaching. His structured approach to playing focuses on building a solid foundation on the right habits and approaches that will be used throughout each student's musical journey. As an adult without any musical experience, I find his approach and mentorship instrumental in getting comfort with the piano and have been pleasantly surprised by my progress so far. He is encouraging and pays individual attention to his students at any level... some of the most gifted musicians I know take lessons from Matthew. The advice I got when thinking about taking up piano was to find the best teacher I could afford! And that's what I've done. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or even a lifelong pianist, Matthew is the key to unlocking the door to the next level. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

I've been a student for over four years and this is the best investment I've ever made. Matthew's instruction has helped me become a well-rounded musician, improving my strength, technique, reading skills, and musicality / understanding of the music. Most importantly, he's taught me to become my own teacher - I am truly in tune with my playing now, and can self-identify areas for improvement. Over the years I've witnessed everyone from true beginners to competitive musicians make great strides in this studio. As a bonus, the studio organizes many fun events throughout the year, including parade floats with live pianists, and living room "salon" performances with dinner included. Matthew has another not-so-secret skill... he's an amazing chef! read more

Matthew at Studio V is without a doubt the best piano teacher I have ever had! I took piano when I was younger, and stopped taking lesson when I went to collage. After missing the piano for years I finally decided to start practicing again. Matthew helped me gain my confidence back. He was great at creating a program that fitted my needs and targeted my weakness. He has kept me motivated and the lessons are always fun! Also, even though Matthews is incredibly talented, he is also very down to earth and humble- I never felt unconformable when I didn't remember something simple or asking a "dumb" question. Matthew also focuses on creating a musical community with his students by organizing monthly socials and field trips. He has a true gift for teaching. read more

I am extremely grateful to have a teacher like Matthew! Each lesson is outstanding and I always look forward to studying with him. I grew up playing classical piano but haven't taken lessons in the past four years. Since starting with Matthew five months ago, he's really helped me advance my skills to the next level in a short period. I am now able to approach the piano with a new mindset and play each piece with more emotional and technical ability than ever before. Matthew has introduced me to a wide range of classical artists and pieces while helping advance my composing skills as well. His own compositions are outstanding and are enjoyable to review during lessons. He also provides students with his own exercises each week in order to improve finger independence and strength. By devoting yourself to them a few times a day, they make a huge difference in your ability to play advanced pieces. Matthew keeps each lesson fun and enjoyable. You'll leave each lesson feeling like you've really learned something as well as inspired and motivated to continue practicing to become a great pianist. read more

I knew nothing about music before I became a student of Matthew's . I knew I loved music, I loved to write music, I was a singer who knew how hit some keys to make some nice sounding music. I got by ok by doing that but I was tired of not knowing why or how. I was tired of faking it and I was tired of relying on other people to bring my imagination to life. I decided to learn how to become a well rounded musician, a talented composer and skilled pianist. I found Matthew at, Studio V. Matthew is truly invested in his students, Studio V isn't a factory and the students aren't pay checks. Matthew has the knowledge and talent to be a very successful composer and or performer but he chose to become a teacher because he loves teaching...and it shows. I have been a student of Matthews for 9 months now and you would not believe how far I have come, I cannot believe it. It didn't come easy though, I had to work very hard, I had to do the work as Matthew demands your best effort and in return he will give you his. Studio V, is the real deal. read more

I've been thinking of learning piano for a couple of years. I did a thorough research in DC looking for piano studio. Then I found Matthew! I can't describe how lucky I feel for starting my piano journey with him, and got involved with this music community. And here are the reasons. Matthew is an awesome teacher. He loves teaching piano. Being a great musician and composer, he not only teaches experienced professionals, but also has been amazingly understandable and patient with beginners like me. As a complete beginner of any kind of music and music instrument, he never let me feel bad for feelings such as "I can't do this" or "I'm just not good at this". He has always been very supportive, warm, enthusiastic, positive. He challenges you too, and that helps with learning. He is very adaptive to students' needs and help them to reach higher. I started my piano journey with the goal of leaning "a couple of songs", Matthew encouraged me to do better. I found his teaching very instrumental in helping students building a solid foundation and eventually mastering the skill to play "any song that you like". I also like his music community and the lovely student events. Matthew can be a perfectionist in organizing his studio music events and we had a lot of fun. He is also a very good cook for student events and makes one of the best coffees in town. read more

I have been thinking about how to write this review for a while, as I am now coming up on my year anniversary of the frankly life changing decision to take piano lessons with Matthew. I've been playing piano for over a decade, but it has mostly been a casual, self-taught journey filled with basic pieces, poor technique, and a fear of sheet music. For years I've wanted to grow my skills and relationship with the piano and that is what originally drew me to Studio V. Matthew's website describes his holistic and well-rounded approach to piano instruction and he absolutely delivers on that. I have learned about much more than just piano during the past year and that is exactly what I was looking for. You will learn about history, philosophy, composers and their pieces; but at the heart of it all will still be the piano, which Matthew shares a deep and evident connection to. Any given week you might study/practice technique, physical exercises, music theory, various pieces each meant to develop or refine a certain skill, and much more. So not only have I learned a lot about classical music in general over the past year, I have also improved my piano playing ability drastically compared to my last 10 years. I will also mention that when you break down his lesson time and quarterly tuition, his rates come out lower than many of the other studios I checked out in DC, which even furthers the value. Lessons with Matthew have exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to see where I'll be in the next 1, 2, 3, etc. years. read more

I'd been a musician for a long time but a piano novice when I went to Matthew in February of last year. After a year of lessons, I've moved away from DC and have been searching for a new teacher. Prospective teachers have told me that I no longer need weekly lessons, as I know enough to self-direct. Matthew says that his goal is to bring students to a point where they no longer need a teacher. In my case, it seems to have taken a year. In yours, it may be some other amount of time. Put the time in, and Matthew will give you the guidance you need to practice and study the piano mindfully and effectively. read more

"'Prelude for Andrew Boss.' 'Intermezzo for Greg Kenderdine.' Matthew, your compositions almost always have a title with someone's name." "Of course, darling. You should always write for someone. It is always better when you are writing for someone." I've had various teachers in the past who taught me how to play the musical instruments, and yet I'd never had a teacher who taught me how to be a musician. And it is essentially a lesson of how to be a human (again). "Being a composer is a lifestyle. It is about sensibility, about being sensible." "Matthew, how is sensibility different from style?" "Sensibility is..." (Matthew pauses, calls his mother on the phone, discusses for a while, and arrives at an "aha" moment, like Sherlock, hangs up and turns sharply back to me) "... strategy." I stumbled upon Matthew's studio like a stray cat, injured and malnourished (metaphorically, and a bit literally). Like other reviewers here, I had studied the piano as a child, and had a long hiatus afterwards. I am (as of now) a "recovering musician" - I had worked in the field of (non-classical) music for years, recording, producing, performing and teaching, and had a horrendous burnout, struggling with various health issues. It was quite awful that, at one point, listening to any piece of music felt like chewing dry sand. In my initial interview, I told Matthew that my goal for taking piano lessons was simple: to recover the sense of joy and humility that I used to feel toward music. I reached this goal after two lessons with Matthew - at that point I had not even touched the piano. Today I am head over heels in love with music all over again. The growth, of course, comes with serious commitment and everyday practice. Now my challenge is to set new goals that I had not dreamed of until just few months ago. Matthew has a great way of keeping me motived and encouraged at every step, and his curriculum is uniquely tailored to where I am coming from and where (he sees) I am going. Matthew is not your ordinary "piano teacher." He is a magical human being. If you need to hear more "hard facts" in addition to my personal sharing of over-exuberance, Matthew is also a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University, and he wrote his own textbook for piano/theory instruction (with a glorious glossary of musical terms at the end). Teaching is not his "side thing" - he is passionate, compassionate, rigorous ("I am gentle and strict at the same time," says he), humane, affectionate, committed and extremely skilled at the art of teaching. On top of that, Matthew is a fantastic composer. It's quite a bit unreal. When he plays his own compositions, my heart and mind melt and the air around me shifts into something that is more pure, timeless and poignant. Sometimes I stop and reflect, and I am astounded by the fact that I am able to learn from someone of whom I am the biggest fan. I am very lucky. I can go on and on... every positive thing other reviewers said here is true. I actually found Matthew sort of randomly via Yelp myself (thanks Yelp, really). A selfish part of me wants Studio V to remain the best kept secret gem of Washington DC. The rest of me sincerely wish for many of you to experience the great joy of music and learning (and just plain awesomeness) with Matthew, and witness the unfolding of your potential that you had not even expected. read more

I started taking piano lessons here over a year ago. I was a complete beginner (never taken piano before in my life) and I'm amazed at how fast I've progressed. Viator's teaching style is flexible and adaptive to keep students engaged and challenged. He doesn't just teach you how to play, but how to *learn* so you have the skills to get through difficult pieces strategically. He also teaches experienced professionals to help them prepare for performances and work through difficult pieces. As a composer himself, he is a gold mine of music theory and he helps students apply the theory into their practice. I highly recommend taking lessons here! read more

Matthew is a passionate and extremely knowledgeable instructor. I started learning piano when I was 8 years old, but took a long hiatus and as a young adult wanted to get back into it. Matthew is great at designing a program that fits your unique needs as a pianist and as a working adult. He is very dedicated to his students and organizes monthly community potlucks and recitals. When I came across some financial difficulties, he was very generous in giving me a scholarship so that I could continue to learn from him. Very highly recommended!! read more

Matthew is amazing. He knows his stuff (he plays and composes brilliantly), and does a fantastic job of figuring out how and when to tell you what you need to know to take the next step. Never overwhelming or too slow. He'll get you to your goals, wherever you're starting from. I had a bit of piano when I was really little, and some other musical background, but couldn't play to save my life. Matthew went my speed, kept me motivated, pushed me when I needed pushing but understood when life got in the way. He's also incredibly sweet, and loves to loop students in to his monthly piano salons. He charges reasonable rates, and instills a real love of the piano. He makes an intimidating world of music accessible. I couldn't recommend him highly enough. read more

I started piano as an adult approximately fifteen years ago and stopped taking lessons three years or so ago. I started lessons again with Matthew in August 2014. My objective was to find an instructor who would combine theory with piano instruction. Matthew is an exceptional instructor who readily modifies his instruction to address whatever challenges are revealed during lessons. His instruction is effective. For example, my initial challenge was my fingering positioning--in short, it was wrong and has been wrong for years. Matthew provided exercises to help me work on proper fingering and, with his instruction, I've made significant progress. Also, previously, I always learned a piece one measure at a time -- inevitably, learning the beginning of a piece somewhat proficiently and the ending less so. Matthew presented me with a way to practice a piece which is far more mindful and effective (and faster) than than my previous "muddle through" method. Matthew also has the ability to present theory in a way that is readily understandable. Inversions...yes, I got that. I'm an adult student who came to Matthew with some bad habits in terms of playing. In a few short months, I've seen improvement. I know that Matthew has students at different skill levels from beginners to accomplished amateur pianists -- and those to whom I've spoken are appreciative of Matthew's skills as an instructor. read more

Matthew is a great teacher! I am an elementary school music teacher who took piano lessons both in college and when I was young. However, I never felt confident with my piano skills. I started studying with Matthew about a year ago, and In that time, I've learned more and progressed faster than in all the years I took lessons when I was younger. Though he is rigorous, and holds his students to high standards, he paces things when he knows life gets in the way of practice. Since i have a music background myself, I really appreciate how he explains music theory. It's clear he has put a lot of thought into how he explains concepts that can be pretty complex. read more

As an andult beginner, I enjoyed Matthew's classes. He is passionate about music and teaching. I like that he organizes field trips and happy hours for his students and tries to build a small music community. read more

In a word, Matthew is tremendous. I picked up the piano again eight months ago after many years away, and Matthew is hands down the best teacher I have ever had. Supremely talented as both a teacher and a musician, he has helped me to develop the physical abilities necessary to play well, the intellectual requirements, and the approaches to playing that make someone a true musician. None more dedicated to his craft. And above all, he is a friend and someone with whom I thoroughly enjoy spending time - pushing me as a coach and mentor as well as laughing and conversing with me as a friend. I cannot recommend him in a stronger or more enthusiastic way. read more

I am assuming that if you are reading this, you are most likely either looking to learn how to play the piano, or you are an experienced player and are looking to continue your learning. I also bet you've spent quite a lot of time comparing options for lessons in the DMV area. I hope this review will both help you with your decision and encourage you to reach out to one of, if not the best studio in the DMV area - Studio V. Matthew, the instructor of the Studio, is a true professional and a pleasure to work with. I have been a student at the Studio for over a year now, and I cannot recommend it enough. This recommendation applies to everyone at all levels - novice to expert. I've met many of the other students at the Studio, all of whom come from a variety of different backgrounds and skill levels. Matthew welcomes everyone. One of the great things about Matthew is that he meets you where you're at - taking into account not just your skill level, but your availability, individual progression, and the amount of time you're realistically able to spend practicing between lessons. He strikes a great balance between pushing you to become a better pianist in the right ways while at the same time, respecting your unique learning situation (and adapting his lessons plans accordingly). His lessons are challenging and original, and like myself and the other students, you'll find yourself impressed at how quickly you progress under his instruction. Some of the other important benefits and considerations of the Studio include: 1)The tuition rate is very competitive for the DMV area. And considering Matthew's expertise, it is even more of a bargain (when compared to the higher rates being charged by amateurs lacking the requisite professional education and experience). 2)The Studio has a great social community; people of all ages and backgrounds attend the Studio and the social events hosted there throughout the year and frequently interact with one another. 3)Matthew takes the lessons seriously, paying close attention to the details and fundamentals that are crucial for playing the piano like a real musician. Your foundation and technique will become strong and improve drastically (no shortcuts!). You will also be able to add music theory and knowledge of the history of music to your lessons and experience at the Studio as well. 4)You'll also get to enjoy Matthew's cooking from time to time (which every student of the Studio would praise and vouch for as one of the benefits of attending Studio V!). In summary, Studio V offers anyone who is interested in learning music and piano an opportunity to grow and build a relationship with a fantastic instructor who is passionate about his craft. He's fun, down-to-earth, genuine, and eager to help you meet your goals from the minute you enter the Studio. read more

Matthew is an excellent teacher and musician. I am extremely happy with my progress, despite never having played an instrument seriously as a child. He also makes delicious coffee beverages. read more

I would highly recommend Matthew Viator for piano instruction. He is a gifted teacher and pianist and is also well versed in music composition and theory. I am a beginning piano student and his teaching style has been a perfect fit for me. He is very personable and has kept me engaged and challenged in every lesson. Piano has been a difficult but rewarding experience for me and Matthew has given me the confidence and guidance to continue playing and realize my full potential. His textbook "Approaching the Piano, A Comprehensive Course in Piano & Theory" has been a wonderful tool and all of the exercises that I have completed are well written, in a logical order, and are easy to follow. If you're looking for Piano Lessons, look no further! read more

Matthew is a vibrant piano instructor who is always smiling. The greatest gift he gives his students is confidence. He is always looking ahead to the pianist that you will become; seeing your full potential. His lessons are fine tuned to the individual and his approach to music theory is fresh and enlightening. If you are looking for a "cookie cutter piano teacher" Matthew is not for you. I recommend taking lessons from an instructor whom takes pride in his accomplishments and one who has enough vision to see yours. read more