Matthew Coons is an award-winning pianist and organist. He has been the Principal Accompanist for the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir since 2014 and was a former accompanist of Counterpoint Chorale. Prior to his studies in Toronto, he studied harpsichord privately with Michael Jarvis in Hamilton, who deepened his appreciation for historical instruments and performance practice. He also studied voice with Carolyn Sinclair. Initial studies in organ began with Paul Chappel (Dundas). His main organ teachers have been Mark Toews and Patricia Wright. He has participated in masterclasses with Paul Jacobs (Juilliard), Todd Wilson, and Thomas Trotter (U.K.). In 2008, he placed first prize at the Young Organists Competition in Toronto. In 2009, he placed second in the Canadian National Organ Playing Competition in 2009. During his time at U of T, he held the position of Organ Scholar at Toronto’s Metropolitan United Church. Matthew has served as Organist at a number of churches in Toronto including Grace Church On-The-Hill, Runnymede United, and Dewi Sant Welsh United Church. He also has a deep love for the piano and has been fortunate enough to have studied and performed with Latvian-Canadian pianist Arthur Ozolins.