Metropolitan United Church

Matthew Coons took up his responsibilities as Metropolitan United Church's Organ Scholar in September 2006. He is an organ student in the performance degree program at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. He studies organ with Dr. Patricia Wright.

A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Matthew started piano lessons at the age of four. He has studied organ with Dr. Mark Toews, music director and organist at Lawrence Park Community Church, Toronto. He has also studied harpsichord with Michael Jarvis and voice with Carolyn Sinclair. He has participated in musical events such as the Grand River Baroque Festival, CAMMAC, Amherst Early Music Festival, and the organ academy at Stratford Summer Music.

In June 2006, Matthew passed his Associate exam through the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO), winning two prizes. Matthew was awarded the Lorna Holmes Scholarship from the RCCO for a student entering an undergraduate program in organ.