Let's just say that without Matthew (and God) I would not be the musician I am today. I first found Matthew on Yelp! when I decided at the last minute to apply as a music major to colleges. Although I played cello since middle school, it was very casual and only through the school's music programs; I even stopped playing the cello my last two years of high school. So imagine my panic and scramble to find my first private cello teacher in San Francisco with the goal of improving my playing to audition for colleges with a four month timeline. Matthew was very enthusiastic and supported my potential to get into a music school; in reflection, I think he was the most positive and encouraging person during my entire audition process. He fully supported my playing by transforming my passion for music into a technical and musical base to work with, fully showing the colleges what I would be capable of accomplishing. But that's not all. Matthew went above and beyond by helping me record the videos professionally for the audition process, even letting me borrow his cello for better sound, and even helped me edit the videos so that they would be the most presentable work to the colleges I applied to. We also went through the most realistic school choices for my current skill level and came up with some state schools in California with strong music programs (Cal Poly Slo, CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach) and a private school (Biola University). Throughout this whole process I did not feel discouraged by Matthew even once. In the end, I got accepted to all four colleges for cello performance and I could not have done it without Matthew's generous help. But that's not all. Once I had accepted that I would be a music major, Matthew also went above and beyond to help me pick a new cello to buy for the next few years of school. As he has gained a strong network of musicians in SF, he knew where to help me look and off we went. He even came with me to play the cellos for me so that I could hear the potential sound of each cello. We were able to get a cello in our budget and a reasonably priced cello case thanks to Matthew's personal recommendation and expertise. But that's not all. Throughout Matthew's time as my teacher, I was able to fully entrust myself as his student because of his professionalism as a music educator who leads by example. Initially, I was drawn to Matthew as he was a musician that is greatly connected to the music community in SF, including being a chamber coach for the SF Conservatory and performing at many venues and gigs. But in our lessons, I truly got to know that Matthew is a professional cellist that exudes passion for the cello from his expressive and captivating cello playing to his vast knowledge on cello repertoire and technique, including orchestral excerpts and cello pieces to learn to grow as a cellist. In addition, Matthew was always clear about lesson plans and prices so that it best protected his career as a musician but also gave the most accountability and expectations for budding cello students to follow as well. This was helpful in setting a consistent lesson schedule --- which saves the hassle for both teacher and student! Needless to say, here I am, as a cello performance major, four years later, ready to start my own career as a musician. It has come full circle and I am now coaching and teaching others music! I am forever grateful to Matthew for making my musical career possible. I never felt alone during this musical journey due to Matthew's constant encouragement and support and his love for sharing the cello with others! read more

When my little sister announced that she was having her wedding on the beach in Tulum, Mexico, I told her that for her wedding gift I'd learn how to play the cello and perform my favorite piece, Bach's Suite No 1 in G, at her wedding...that was coming up in 6 months...even though I've never picked up a cello in my life. As luck would have it, I met Matt that same week during once of his performances. After being amazed by how beautifully he played the cello, I quickly approached him after the show, told him about my audacious goal, how worried I was about letting my sister down and how there was probably no way that I could be performance ready in such a short amount of time. Matt was kind enough to listen to me as I ranted at a mile a minute before putting my mind at ease by assuring me that anyone can learn the cello. We began lessons immediately and I remember how patient Matt was with me even though I kept holding holding the bow like a chicken drumstick. But a couple of months later, I was learning about shifting finger positions, producing quality sound from the strings and maintaining rhythm & tempo. While Matt was great at teaching me technical skills with the cello, he also got me to dig a bit deep and taught me how to express my emotions through this instrument so that the audience can feel the music instead of just hearing the notes. This helped me to let go of thinking of the piece as a combination of quarter notes and eight notes but as a story that I wanted to tell to the audience. On the day of my sister's wedding...well...how can I say this..I totally nailed it! Sure, some parts were still a little bit sticky (I'm sure it didn't help that I was crazy nervous) but I vividly remember during the standing ovation that I felt so happy for my sister and so proud of myself for actually pulling this off. And of course, I couldn't have down it without my cello teach Matt. Thank you again Matt!!! read more

Matthew worked with my son over a year's period playing the Cello to support my son's goal in moving forward with auditioning in a music school. He accomplished this goal! Matthew brought interest, enthusiasm to the lessons while helping my son rapidly increase his skill level and accomplished his goals. He is flexible with the schedule and encouraged both my son and I in moving forward with Music events participation which also proved to be beneficial. Of course my son never wanted to leave working with Matthew! Always available for consultation, such a talented musician himself! We highly recommend Matthew as a music teacher!! read more

I've been taking lessons with Matthew for a few months, and I couldn't be happier. I'm an adult student with a completely different day job and tumultuous schedule. Matthew has been accommodating and understanding while still finding ways to encourage and develop my skills. I am sure he's also great with kids through music professionals, but can share from experience that he's an excellent cello teacher for novice adults. read more

After six months of cello lessons with Matthew, my playing has improved tremendously. Matthew's contagious and reliable enthusiasm encourages me not only to get the most out of every lesson but to practice effectively and often in between. I wholeheartedly recommend Matthew to anyone looking to learn the cello or to improve their playing. read more

My son started cello with another teacher at age 8 and found her neither patient nor encouraging. Switching to Matthew made all the difference. Matthew is kind, enthusiastic and understands how to teach kids. He teaches technique without taking away the fun. He customizes his approach to the student and the student's goals. We drive in from Marin because he is worth it. My son was accepted into the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra after only a year of lessons with Matthew. Matthew is an excellent cellist and a wonderful teacher. read more

I studied cello in a pedagogy class while I was in college. Once I was out and living on my own I decided to buy one and it just sat there for close to two years finally one day it was slow at work. I did a Google search and came to Yelp where I found a few cello teachers. I read what Matthew had wrote then somehow came across him on YouTube where he was playing with his group and Matt Alber whom I have been a fan of. I emailed Matthew and boy am I glad I did. I told him a little bout myself and how I mainly play woodwinds but he was ready to help me tackle my cello. I have such a great time learning from him he is very understanding and puts up with my many flaws especially when I know I'm out of tune and want to fix it. He is a very knowledgable on the cello and in music theory which I hated in college. He's a awesome and sweet person I can never wait till my next cello lesson with him. read more