MQ STORY
Matthew Quek (郭光正) is a trained teacher with a Masters in Educational Research Methods.
He has accumulated more than ten years’ experience in teaching History and Humanities to students while preparing them for N, O, and A Levels, as well as the International Baccalaureate diploma. He has taught in various schools such as St. Joseph Institution (Independent), Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Hwa Chong Institution (College Section) and Zhong Hua Secondary School.
Through the years, he has developed well-tested methodologies in equipping students with writing techniques as well as helping them form clear and succinct thesis statements in their written work.
Matthew has been involved in vocal training and singing for over ten years. He is a competent pianist, having passed Grade 8 in piano performance (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London).
He then proceeded to pursue singing, passing Grade 8 (ABRSM) in Voice with distinction and receiving his Associate Diploma (ATCL) in Voice from Trinity College (London, England).
In 2004, Matthew won the top title in the MOE X Factor Elite challenge talent competition. Matthew’s original composition was one of the three compositions selected for the finals in the Rhapsody 2002 competition’s song-writing category.
In July 2005, ‘Matt Q’ was invited to sing a Solo Item from “The Phantom of the Opera” during a farewell ceremony for Dr Ng Eng Hen and has sung for President Nathan at the Istana in January 2011, and his government dignitaries.
In 2009 ‘Matt Q’ recorded and launched his fifth album entitled “My Romance”. Produced by internationally renowned jazz musician Professor Jeremy Monteiro, this album contains a unique and enchanting fusion of jazz and musical theatre numbers.
On the 6th July to the 15th July 2012, Matthew represented Singapore in a prestigious overseas competition- the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Los Angeles Hollywood. This is the equivalent of the OLYMPIC PERFORMING ARTS COMPETITION of the world where the organizers give out gold, silver and bronze medals.
This project was officially endorsed by the National Arts Council of Singapore (NAC), and ‘Matt Q’ donned the Singapore national colours.
Having received a partial scholarship by WCOPA itself, ‘Matt Q’ also was granted a subsidy from NAC.
Matthew obtained a silver medal in the senior vocal category of the World Championship of performing arts held at Los Angeles Hollywood.
Matthew’s sixth solo album “Inspirited”, an album comprising cross classical and inspirational pieces, was produced and released by Integrity Music in 2011.
In 2014, ‘Matt Q’ released his seventh solo album- “Soul Companion”, a compilation of eleven original compositions with genres ranging from jazz, to rock, pop and gospel. The compositions are inspiring numbers which spur all to persevere in the midst of adversities and to cling onto those who really love and care for us.
At the end of 2014, Matthew produced his eighth solo album ‘Embrace- 拥 抱”. This album, which consists of original compositions in both English and Mandarin is Matthew’s first bilingual album. The songs were composed to raise funds for the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). This album was especially meaningful to Matthew as he had struggled with intense learning difficulties since young. As such, the compositions reflect Matthew’s experiences and struggles in life.
Matthew has also been personally trained by Mr Dean Kaelin, the internationally acclaimed vocal coach who taught David Archuleta of “American Idol” fame. Mr Dean Kaelin, the President of the International Voice Teachers of Mix (IVTOM), has personally certified Matthew as Singapore’s main representative in relation to vocal coaching and pedagogy.
And, today Matthew is an accomplished writing and oral speaking coach, as well as an internationally acclaimed singer-composer.
