Matthew J. Edwards
MA(Open) MLitt BA(Hons)(Open) BA(Hons) BSc Open(Open) FD(Open) FLCM FNCM FCCM FVCM FNMSM PPICMA FTCSM FASC FGMS FIGOC FFLM FMCM FHCO FSCO LTCL ARCO DipMus(Open) AMusTCL PG Cert(Hum) Cert Maths(Open) Cert Comp&IT(Open) Cert Comp&Maths(Open) Cert French(Open) Cert BusStudies(Open) CeMAP
Matthew, born in Hampshire in 1976, first studied the organ with Robin Walker at St. Michael’s Parish Church in Aldershot, where he was also a chorister. After Sixth Form College he moved on to King Alfred’s University College in Winchester, receiving organ tuition from Christopher Monks at Winchester Cathedral. He was then appointed Organ Scholar at Peterborough Cathedral, spending time as both Acting Assistant and Acting Master of the Music. In 1998 he was appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers at The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Dundee, at just 21 becoming the youngest Cathedral director of music in Britain. After a period of freelance work, including posts in St. Andrews and Dundee; Matthew was appointed Director of Music at Alloa West Church in March 2002 – where he spent just over six years. Since then he has undertaken performances throughout the UK and has appeared on many broadcasts and recordings.
Matt is a perpetual student and has just completed his fourth degree with The Open University. In October 2016 he began studies for a Master of Arts degree. In summer 2013 Matt gained his LTCL diploma in Organ Performance with distinction, achieving an astonishing 90%. He is currently working towards further diploma exams.
Other posts in recent years have included Musical Director of the Alloa Musical Players for three of their annual shows, and concert work in Scotland and England. He makes regular trips to Hampshire to accompany the choirs of the University of Winchester. Recent recitals have included the Cathedrals of Blackburn, Brecon, Chester, Dunblane, Hereford, Inverness, Newcastle, Oban and Perth.
In 2007 he formed "The Trumpet Shall Sound" with RSAMD graduate, Grant Golding, and is involved in regular Trumpet and Organ recitals throughout the UK.
He was until recently Director of Music at the famous Thomas Coats Memorial Church - the "Baptist Cathedral of Europe" - in Paisley where he was custodian of the world-famous 4 manual 1894 Hill pipe organ - one of the finest in the world. Matt is currently Director of Music and Organist at Bothwell Parish Church, the "Cathedral of South Lanarkshire".
Matt is a member of the Cathedral Organists Association and the Royal College of Organists. He is in high demand as a performer, arranger, conductor and teacher. In Autumn 2016 he celebrated 30 years in church music, from Chorister to Organist.
Picture: Leah Franchetti
Celebrating 30 Years in Church Music - Autumn 2016
December 1986
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Summer 1993
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