Sam Matthews - Cello

Sam Matthews, cellist and director of the Paganini School, has been an active teacher and clinician for the past 20 years. Following graduation with his master's in performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in 2005, Mr. Matthews made the journey to Shanghai, China, where he worked as an orchestra director for several institutions and ensembles including: the Shanghai American School, Fudan University's International School, Shanghai International Youth Orchestra, and the Shanghai Promusica Chamber Orchestra. During this time, he was sought after in China as an orchestral clinician as well as a performer in multiple professional ensembles.

Upon returning to the USA in 2011, Mr. Matthews made Houston home, and quickly established himself as a leading cello instructor and clinician (full orchestra and cello) in the area. Many of his former cello students have gone on to be successful participants in All-Region and All-State orchestras. After a short hiatus from private lesson teaching, to manage the growth of his business, Sam's Strings Violin Shop and his family obligations as the father of twin boys, Mr. Matthews is excited to have the opportunity to add limited teaching to his schedule again, as a faculty member and director of the Paganini School of Music. Mr. Matthews is a Suzuki Registered cello teacher.