About
Dr. Matthew Cataldi serves as Director of Piano Studies and Associate Professor of Piano at Radford University in Virginia. A versatile artist, he maintains an active career spanning performance, composition, conducting, and pedagogy with appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center.
His educational credentials:
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) from Florida State University
- Master of Music (M.M.) from Indiana University
- Doctor of Music (D.M.) from Indiana University
Dr. Cataldi's creative research centers on synthesizing classical and popular traditions through innovative compositions and arrangements. Notable projects include “Variations and Fugue on a theme by Led Zeppelin” (reinterpreting “Stairway to Heaven”), “Hail to the King” (Michael Jackson medley), “24 Preludes in Popular Style after Chopin” (2022 Albany Records release), and the ongoing “Broadway Etudes for the Left Hand” series. His scholarly focus emphasizes improvisation and creativity in piano pedagogy, with publications in the College Music Society and American Music Teacher journals.
Recognition:
- Dalton Eminent Scholar Rising Star award for creative scholarship
As an educator, Dr. Cataldi has led the Highlands Chapter of the Virginia Music Teachers Association, organized student festivals, and presented nationally on pedagogy. His students achieve national prominence through presentations at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and admissions to NYU and the Royal Conservatory of Scotland. He regularly serves as competition adjudicator and masterclass presenter across the United States.
