Biography

 

Dr Matthew Hall graduated from the University of Wales, Cardiff with a 2:1 in Music in July 2004. Since then he has continued to study at Postgraduate level, completing his Master’s in Composition in September 2005 at Cardiff University and obtaining a PhD from the same institution in 2014 under the guidance of Rob Fokkens, Rachel Cowgill and Arlene Sierra.

 

During his time at Cardiff University he has had the privilege of working with and writing for established ensembles such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Sorrell Quartet, the Pième Ensemble and the Cardiff University Contemporary Music Group. Along with these ensembles Matthew has also written solo pieces for Daniel Becker (piano) and Gabriella Swallow (violoncello) for specific composition workshops organised by Cardiff University.

 

During his Master’s degree, Matthew was issued with a challenge to write a ‘test’ piece for Brass Band. He duly rose to the challenge with the outcome being that the piece was published by MMI Music in 2005, his first to be published professionally.

 

In 2008, Matthew was appointed Associate Composer-in-Residence with Tredegar Town Band, a position which has enabled him to have works performed all over the UK, Northern Europe, Scandinavia and Australia. His works have been performed in numerous prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, London and Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and broadcast live on S4C television. Matthew is very grateful and indebted to Tredegar Town Band for this appointment which has enabled him to become one of the leading young composers currently writing for this forward-thinking ensemble. The appointment with Tredegar Town Band has also allowed Matthew to win the coveted prize for ‘Best New Composition or Arrangement’ at Brass in Concert two years in succession, the first composer to do so with their own compositions.

 

Matthew is currently composing pieces for his increasingly large professional composition commitments throughout the world. He is currently working as a peripatetic music teacher of piano, clarinet and saxophone back in his native Shropshire alongside an increasing portfolio of professional Musical Director roles with Musical Theatre Companies across the UK.