Matthew J Viator- Studio V

Matthew is one of a kind. A more dedicated teacher you will not find.

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.

Matthew is an incredibly talented piano teacher! His lessons are engaging, from start to finish, and he has a way of motivating students to understand all aspects of the instrument, including technical skill, theory, and composition. This comprehensive approach was presented in an easy-​to-​understand manner, at just the right pace for my schedule and ability level.
Overall, Matthew has instilled in me a love of musical learning and appreciation for the instrument. I look forward to our lessons all week and cannot recommend him highly enough.

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.

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.

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.

If you want to learn how to play piano, there are a number of instructors in the city. If you want to learn how to play piano well, learn the world of music better than you thought possible, and foster a friendship and relationship with the studio and its components as a whole, you need to see Matthew at Studio V.
Music is part of my self definition. Having started playing at five years old, it is only fair to consider my contribution to the piano as part of who I am. However, I had hit a wall in terms of improvement in college, and I did not find the time or commitment to play and learn as I once did.
Having heard about Matthew’s studio, I decided it was time to attack the wall that was hindering my improvement. Taking lessons from Matthew is an entirely wholesome experience. With Matthew, all perspectives and angles of music are considered. History, theory, technique, philosophy… the list goes on. He reignited the flame of my motivation as a pianist that I thought was nearly gone. He continually gives me renewed motivation to master certain skills and techniques. He allows my love of music to be fully intertwined with my professional and social lives. His knowledge, insight, and kindness combined results in the perfect balance for an amazing instructor. It is extremely rare to come by an individual like
have him as my piano teacher is humbling.
I can’t say all that I want to say about Matthew in a single « Unilocal» review. Matthew is the guy to see. Just trust me. After 18 years of piano playing, I’m pretty confident that I know an excellent piano instructor when I see one.

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.

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!