Matthew Angel, a seasoned violinist, strings instructor, and conductor, pours his heart into shaping the musical journeys of LA's youth, firmly believing in the transformative power of music. Growing up in the heart of East Los Angeles, he experienced firsthand how music can redefine one's future, igniting a passion that propelled him forward. Now, he's dedicated to kindling that same flame within his students.
Since stepping into the teaching realm in 2008, Mr. Angel has lent his expertise to various organizations, leaving his mark on initiatives like the Wildwood Music Camp, Idyllwild Music Academy, and the Saturday Conservatory of Music San Gabriel Valley. However, his true impact shines in his work with communities often overlooked in LA County. Collaborating with entities such as the East LA Boys and Girls Club, Esperanza Azteca Los Angeles, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), The Harmony Project LA, Harmony Project Long Beach, and Neighborhood Music School in Boyle Heights, he's helped establish thriving orchestral programs tailored to Chicano and Latino youth, providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have had.
Not content to solely teach, Mr. Angel has also been instrumental in the creation and sustenance of innovative music programs. During his tenure with Heart of LA’s Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra, he played a pivotal role in launching one of the city’s pioneering intergenerational music initiatives, collaborating closely with organizational leadership to ensure its success.
Since 2017, Mr. Angel has taken up the baton as conductor and strings instructor for the Claremont Unified School District’s Instrumental Music Program, extending his reach to provide free after-school string and orchestra lessons. In 2019, he lent his expertise to the inception of the Summer Strings Music Camp in Claremont, partnering with fellow educator Charlotte Van Ryswyk to offer enriching music education and orchestral workshops to 4th to 6th-grade students during the summer break. Through a fruitful collaboration with friend and fellow musician Greg Adamson, the program has grown to encompass free summer violin classes for students and even extends its offerings to adults eager to explore the world of music.
Beyond his teaching endeavors, Mr. Angel boasts a rich history as a classical musician. He has graced the stages of professional and community orchestras alike, leaving his mark on ensembles such as The LA Doctors Symphony, West Coast Symphony, West Lake Village Symphony, The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), and more. Through his multifaceted dedication to music and education, Matthew Angel continues to shape lives and foster a love for music that transcends generations.