Alastair Matthews is a pianist, researcher and composer from the U.K. He studied at University of Oxford with professors Martyn Harry and Robert Saxton, gaining a bachelor’s degree in Music, and a master’s in Musical Composition with distinction. He has been the recipient of several scholarships, notably to the Advanced Courses at Dartington Summer School as both a pianist and composer. As a composer Alastair is also a laureate of the competition 'Josquin Toujours Présent!' organised by À Coeur Joie Hauts de France.
Alastair also holds a master’s degree in piano performance with great distinction from the Conservatoire Royale de Bruxelles. Following his graduation he was invited to participate in the Conservatoire’s laureate’s competition, reserved for the three highest graduating students from each department. His master’s thesis discussing a cognitive theorisation of the musical object as a point of mediation between analysis and performance was also awarded the highest distinction by the jury.