Matthew Kowalczyk is Second Bassoon, Orchestra Librarian, and a PLP Instructor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed regularly with other ensembles throughout the Midwest, such as the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Iowa, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, among others.
In addition to performing, teaching lessons, and coaching sectionals with the QCSO youth orchestras and school music classrooms in the Quad Cities, Matthew also started the Summer Bassoon Reed Seminar, aimed at teaching area school-aged students the beginner processes of bassoon reedmaking, a critical part of the craft of bassoon playing often overlooked in young bassoonists' education. Matthew's bassoon studio of school-aged students have enjoyed successes beyond their school ensembles, with admission into Iowa All-State ensembles and Solo Festival showcase, ILMEA, QCSYE membership, SEIBA, and acceptance into collegiate bassoon studios.
During his studies on his master's degree in bassoon performance, Matthew held the bassoon fellowship of the Fred Fox Graduate Wind Quintet at the University of Arizona, which included performing and competing throughout the country as a representative of UA, as well as a three-week international tour throughout 12 cities in China. Building upon his bachelor's degree with certification in music education from Illinois State University, Matthew additionally worked as the Graduate Coordinator of the UA Outreach Honor Band, a weekend wind ensemble for students in grades 5 through 9.
Matthew's bassoon teachers have included Michael Dicker, Dr. William Dietz, Diane Ryan, and Benjamin Coelho.
Education
- M.M., Bassoon Performance, University of Arizona
- B.M.E., Instrumental Music Education, Illinois State University