Matthew Jones

Described by ‘Fanfare’ Magazine as ‘the finest violist since William Primrose’, Matthew enjoys a diverse performing and teaching career, equally at home as soloist or chamber musician, performing classical or contemporary repertoire or improvising. He gave a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall recital debut in 2008, and until 2018 was a member of Ensemble MidtVest. Matthew was violist of the Badke String Quartet when they won the 2007 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition. Matthew was born in Swansea, Wales, and studied with Rivka Golani.

Matthew is Head of Chamber Music and Professor of Viola at Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Matthew has recorded twenty-eight solo and chamber CDs, including ‘Britten: Reflections’ with pianist Annabel Thwaite, named Chamber CD of the Month by BBC Music Magazine and streamed more than 4.5 million times. In recent years he has premiered concertos by Tolibkhon Shakhidi, Derek Ball and Gordon Crosse. Among his most celebrated discs are the only complete recording of Prokofiev’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ excerpts as transcribed by Borisovsky, a critically lauded recording of the York Bowen Sonatas, a live-recorded concert from Copenhagen Jazz Festival and a disc of his own chamber compositions. 

Matthew’s unique approach to teaching (inspired by his studies of mathematics, Alexander Technique and Yoga/Meditation as well as his deep interest in the psychology of performance) has led to one of the most sought after teaching studios in Europe. His performances, masterclasses and workshops on enhancing performance have been presented in more than 40 countries, and he has worked with more than 2000 musicians on aspects of health, performance wellness and applications of the Alexander Technique.

As a chamber coach, groups he has mentored have won the Trondheim, Banff, Bordeaux and Borciani International Chamber Music Competitions. 

For more information, visit matt-jones.com