Teaches in Southern California

From Irvine, California

Plays and Piano

About

Born and raised in Southern California, Matthew Tong has been playing the piano since the age of 7, first starting in Kindermusik two years earlier before taking private lessons by a teacher from that studio. He enrolled in the University of California, Irvine in 2019, graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano, under the instruction of Dr. Lorna Griffitt. During his time in UC Irvine, he has received 2 scholarships, been on the honor roll several quarters, performed in a junior, senior, and 2 honors piano recitals, and has been taught by Dr. Jeanette Louise Yaryan in a master class in 2023. In addition to his college studies and performances, Matthew has also served as an accompanist in his church, playing in both adult and children's services. He particularly enjoys working with the children at his church, which has helped to develop his skill for teaching piano to young learners. For 6 months Matthew has taught students in an internship program from his university where he works with students 1-on-1 in three piano classes, and the students he has worked with range from beginners to talented performers. Matthew's high level of musical knowledge, as well as his passion for performing and teaching music, allow him to offer fun and engaging piano lessons that help his students develop their own passions for playing the piano, through various music styles such as classical music from Bach to the latest Billboard hits.