Dr. Matheus Souza (DMA, Violin 2018) was recently appointed as Assistant Professor of Applied Violin at Central Michigan University! He is an alumnus of Stony Brook University’s violin studio with a Doctorate in Violin Performance, and a performer that has had an eclectic career since graduating. He regularly records for video game franchises like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, performs with new music groups like Unheard-of Ensemble premiering new works (a new music group formed by Stony Brook alumni), Videri String Quartet (having performed at PAX, Nintendo America), and DiscoCactus, and has worked with orchestras and ensembles world-wide. Congratulations to Matheus on his new appointment!
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MATHEUS’S BIO: With an eclectic musical background rooted in Brazilian popular music, or Choro, Dr. Souza brings a unique perspective to the world of classical violin. He has had the privilege of collaborating with masters of the genre, including Joel Nascimento, Jaime Vignoli, Luiz Otávio Braga, and Oscar Bolão.
Dr. Souza earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University, further solidifying his expertise and dedication to the art of violin performance. He has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including performances at the United Nations in New York City and tours in Japan with the New York Symphonic Ensemble.
He holds a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music, where he studied under distinguished figures such as Syoko Aki, Krzysztof Penderecki, Peter Oundjian, Robert Mealy, and Peter Frankl. In recognition of his excellence in teaching, he was awarded the prestigious Malcolm L. Mitchell and Donald M. Roberts Class of 1957 award upon graduation.
Dr. Souza’s passion for music extends beyond the concert hall, as he actively performs, tours, and records with the Videri String Quartet, Unheard-of//Ensemble, and DiscoCactus. His name can be found in numerous soundtrack recordings for renowned franchises such as Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider, Star Wars, and Kingdom Hearts. Additionally, he has shared his knowledge and expertise through workshops and masterclasses across the United States, Japan, and Brazil.