Cellist, Matthew “Matt” Williams II is a dynamic and versatile performer, with interests in the standard repertoire as well as contemporary classical music. An avid chamber and solo musician, Matt strives to create inclusive spaces and share music with all types of audiences. Matt is also deeply interested in Interdisciplinary arts, often working to create programming and projects that bring together artists from different disciplines.

Matt has concertized audiences in South Bend, IN as well as Boston, MA having given recitals in Boston and various performances in South Bend, often being invited to give performances and coach around the city. He’s also partook in multiple music festivals having been a participant in festivals such as the Apple Hill Chamber Music Festival in New Hampshire and the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival in Vermont

With aspirations of having a dynamic and varied career in music, Matt plans to continue on to doctoral studies in cello performance after his master’s, hoping to create a career as a soloist and chamber musician alongside teaching and community outreach through performance, coaching, and masterclasses. Furthermore, Matt plans on exploring his interest in interdisciplinary arts and the intersections between artists and creatives of different mediums.

In 2026, Matt joined the Boston-based arts organization, Castle of Our Skins, as a Teaching Artist. His workshop, Awareness in Sound, explores the idea of using the sounds from one’s environment and surroundings to become better in touch with one’s body. It pulls heavily from his study of the Alexander Technique.

Matt studies at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and is currently pursuing a masters studying with Rhonda Rider. Previous teachers include Lara Turner, Jaqueline Choi, and Emilie Grondin. Matt currently plays a German cello by Thomas Hoyer from 2017.

“I like to teach from a place of curiosity and excitement; encouraging the student to explore what music and playing their instrument has to offer them while still teaching the necessities of playing. I strive to create an inclusive and healthy environment for music learning, meeting students at their individual level and allowing them to enjoy the process of learning and improving, furthering their love of music to grow. I encourage consistency and attention-driven practice, pushing students to explore their musicality while improving their technical ability. Additionally, I strive to instill a love of sound, helping his students to find a sound that is all their own and that they love to listen to. As someone who was born visually disabled and has often relied more on auditory cues rather than visual cues, I put a lot of importance into the sound we make as musicians. As painters can be referred to as visual artists, I think we as musicians can be likened to sound or auditory artists.”