Hi, I'm Matt Zerweck
The violin has been a tremendous force in most aspects of my life. Personally, I love the versatility of the instrument's sound. I also love the problem solving and tactile control that the violin allows. It's been a great way to push my own mental and physical boundaries, and build a sense of confidence. It's been invaluable for meeting a variety of people. It's also been my passport to the Czech Republic, Russia, the U.K., Japan, and Italy.
I became interested in the violin at the age of 5, after seeing a violinist play on PBS. As a teen, I was lucky enough to study with some of the best teachers in Philadelphia, including Michael Ludwig (now concertmaster of Buffalo Phil) and renowned soloist, Elissa Lee Koljonen. I remember getting $5 nosebleed seats for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and having a chance to see Itzahk Perlman, Sarah Chang, Hilary Hahn, Vadim Repin, Gil Shaham, and the Guarneri Quartet (among others) perform live.
It was this appearance in 1988 that spurred my interest in the violin. Thanks, Itzhak Perlman!
I became interested in the violin at the age of 5, after seeing a violinist play on PBS. As a teen, I was lucky enough to study with some of the best teachers in Philadelphia, including Michael Ludwig (now concertmaster of Buffalo Phil) and renowned soloist, Elissa Lee Koljonen. I remember getting $5 nosebleed seats for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and having a chance to see Itzahk Perlman, Sarah Chang, Hilary Hahn, Vadim Repin, Gil Shaham, and the Guarneri Quartet (among others) perform live.
It was this appearance in 1988 that spurred my interest in the violin. Thanks, Itzhak Perlman!
I did not find public school challenging. Public school is almost never geared towards building mastery over a subject.
At some point, I realized the violin was something I would have a difficult time mastering, and decided to put everything I had into it. My parents were tremendously supportive. My dad became Librarian and Director of one of the youth orchestras I attended, DCYO. I played in three youth orchestras, a string quartet coached by Meta Watts and Orlando Cole (cellist of the Curtis Quartet), and sat first stand in all of the PMEA and MENC events that I tried out for. I auditioned for the Eastman School of Music (rated #1 music school, for what it's worth) and worked tirelessly to rise to the top of my class under the guidance of Charles Castleman, for whom I was a teaching assistant. The highlight of my time at Eastman was performing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with orchestra.
Just as I was graduating with my Master's Degree in 2008, I was lucky enough to win a spot as the Acting Assistant Concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony, where I worked from 2008-2012. I've had some great opportunities here in San Antonio, including solo recitals, great chamber music (Camerata, Olmos), playing in the (now defunct) San Antonio Opera, and teaching. I've recently had the privilege of teaching at the YOSA summer camp, working with about 60 young violinists. I've also judged the TX UIL competition and UTSA concerto competition. My professional highlights so far include a performance of Strauss's Violin Sonata with eminent pianist Warren Jones, as well as my solo recital debut in San Antonio, which featured a world premiere work by Arthur Williford and the piano playing of Joseph Liccardo. It's my goal to achieve as much as I am capable of achieving, especially as a teacher and performer.
At some point, I realized the violin was something I would have a difficult time mastering, and decided to put everything I had into it. My parents were tremendously supportive. My dad became Librarian and Director of one of the youth orchestras I attended, DCYO. I played in three youth orchestras, a string quartet coached by Meta Watts and Orlando Cole (cellist of the Curtis Quartet), and sat first stand in all of the PMEA and MENC events that I tried out for. I auditioned for the Eastman School of Music (rated #1 music school, for what it's worth) and worked tirelessly to rise to the top of my class under the guidance of Charles Castleman, for whom I was a teaching assistant. The highlight of my time at Eastman was performing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with orchestra.
Just as I was graduating with my Master's Degree in 2008, I was lucky enough to win a spot as the Acting Assistant Concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony, where I worked from 2008-2012. I've had some great opportunities here in San Antonio, including solo recitals, great chamber music (Camerata, Olmos), playing in the (now defunct) San Antonio Opera, and teaching. I've recently had the privilege of teaching at the YOSA summer camp, working with about 60 young violinists. I've also judged the TX UIL competition and UTSA concerto competition. My professional highlights so far include a performance of Strauss's Violin Sonata with eminent pianist Warren Jones, as well as my solo recital debut in San Antonio, which featured a world premiere work by Arthur Williford and the piano playing of Joseph Liccardo. It's my goal to achieve as much as I am capable of achieving, especially as a teacher and performer.
Teaching at YOSA camp.
