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Matthew Villalobos Reyes

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Finalist

Bio

Matthew Alexander is a passionate pianist dedicated to making classical music engaging and accessible. His repertoire spans Bach to Ginastera, including the complete Chopin Études and major works by Beethoven, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Currently pursuing a BM in Piano Performance at the Catholic University of America under Dr. Nikita Fitenko, he previously trained with Dr. Alexandr Sklioutovski. A prizewinner in international competitions, including the Washington International Piano Festival 2023 and Concurso Villahermosa 2022, he has performed at Carnegie Hall. Matthew combines technical mastery with deep expression, keeping classical music powerful and relevant today.

Education

Catholic University of America

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Music
  • GPA:
    3.9

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Music
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Music

    • Dream career goals:

      Concert Pianist

    • Classical Music Content Creator

      YouTube, Facebook, Instagram
      2014 – Present12 years
    • Collaborative Pianist

      Redeemer City Chruch
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Piano Instructor

      Private Studio
      2022 – 20253 years
    • Collaborative Pianist

      The Catholic University of America
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Concert pianist

      Instituto Superior de Artes, Catholic University of America/ Independent
      2014 – Present12 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Intramural
    2015 – 20172 years

    Research

    • Music

      . — Musicological Research Interest
      2020 – Present

    Arts

    • Instituto Superior de Artes

      Music
      2016 – 2024

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Rome School of performing arts — Accompanying singers
      2026 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Redeemer City Chruch — Accompanying in the worships
      2025 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Bold.org No-Essay Top Friend Scholarship
    James B. McCleary Music Scholarship
    Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember—long before I even touched a piano. While my mother was pregnant with me, my parents would play classical music, believing that its beauty and complexity could already reach me. Growing up in a home where music was always present, especially through my father’s deep love for classical repertoire, I was surrounded by sounds that would eventually shape the direction of my life. When I began studying piano at the age of six, what started as curiosity quickly became a lifelong passion. A defining moment came when I was ten years old and began studying piano professionally at the Instituto Superior de Artes in Costa Rica under the guidance of Alexandr Sklioutovski and Tamara Meltser. This experience transformed my understanding of music. I entered an environment where discipline, dedication, and artistic integrity were expected every day. Music was no longer simply something I enjoyed—it became a responsibility and a calling. Through countless hours of practice, lessons, and performances, I learned that true musicianship requires patience, perseverance, and a constant search for deeper meaning within the music. Music has profoundly shaped my educational journey. It has taught me to think critically, listen attentively, and approach challenges with determination. Preparing a piece of music demands not only technical mastery but also intellectual and emotional engagement. Each composer presents a new world to explore, requiring historical understanding, analytical thinking, and imagination. Because of this, music has influenced the way I approach learning in general—it has trained me to value discipline, curiosity, and long-term commitment. Perhaps the most important way music has changed my life is by giving me a sense of purpose. Performing music allows me to communicate something beyond words, sharing emotions and ideas that connect people across cultures and backgrounds. Whether performing for an audience or practicing alone in a practice room, I feel part of a tradition that stretches across centuries. Today, as a Piano Performance major in the United States, I continue to pursue the highest artistic ideals I can reach. My goal is to become a concert pianist while remaining open to teaching, collaboration, and other musical opportunities that allow me to share my passion with others. Music has not only shaped my career path—it has shaped the way I see the world. It has taught me discipline, humility, and the lifelong pursuit of beauty and truth. For me, music is not simply an art form; it is a way of life that continues to guide my growth both as a musician and as a person.
    WoodaWorx Music Scholarship
    Sunni E. Fagan Memorial Music Scholarship
    My connection with music began even before I was born. While my mother was pregnant, my parents would play classical music for me, believing in its power to nurture the mind and soul. Growing up in a home where music was always present—especially through my father, a lifelong lover of music—this early exposure naturally shaped my path. At the age of six, I began formal piano lessons, and from that moment on, music became an essential part of my life, not as a pastime, but as a language through which I understood the world. A defining turning point came when I was ten years old, when I began studying piano professionally at the Instituto Superior de Artes in Costa Rica under the guidance of Alexandr Sklioutovski and Tamara Meltser. Entering a professional musical environment at such a young age required discipline, focus, and maturity. Through this training, I learned that music demands more than technical ability; it requires responsibility, honesty, and a deep respect for the composer’s intent. This experience fundamentally shaped my musical identity and confirmed that music was not simply an interest—it was my vocation. Currently, I am pursuing a major in Piano Performance, and music has been central to my educational journey. My academic and artistic training continually challenge me to refine my technique, expand my musical understanding, and develop interpretative depth. Long hours of practice, score study, and performance preparation have taught me perseverance and critical thinking, while ensemble work and collaboration have strengthened my ability to listen and communicate musically. Music has also shaped how I approach learning in general, teaching me patience, discipline, and the value of sustained effort toward long-term goals. Beyond the classroom, music has become a means of personal growth and reflection. It has taught me how to manage pressure, accept constructive criticism, and continuously seek improvement. Each performance is not only an artistic moment, but also an educational experience that deepens my understanding of myself and my craft. Through music, I have learned to balance structure with creativity and rigor with expression. Looking toward the future, my goal is to reach my highest ideals as a pianist. I primarily envision myself as a concert pianist, while remaining open to teaching, collaboration, and other musical roles that allow me to share and deepen my artistry. I plan to pursue graduate studies to continue refining my technique, musical insight, and artistic voice at the highest level. For me, classical music is a lifelong companion—an art form that speaks directly to the soul and remains a constant source of meaning, growth, and purpose throughout life.
    Diane Amendt Memorial Scholarship for the Arts
    My connection with music began even before I was born. While my mother was pregnant, my parents would play classical music for me, believing in its power to nurture the mind and soul. Growing up in a home where music was always present—especially through my father, a lifelong lover of music—this early exposure naturally shaped my path. At the age of six, I began formal piano lessons, and from that moment on, music became an essential part of my life, not as a pastime, but as a language through which I understood the world. A defining turning point came when I was ten years old, when I began studying piano professionally at the Instituto Superior de Artes in Costa Rica under the guidance of Alexandr Sklioutovski and Tamara Meltser. Entering a professional musical environment at such a young age required discipline, focus, and maturity. Through this training, I learned that music demands more than technical ability; it requires responsibility, honesty, and a deep respect for the composer’s intent. This experience fundamentally shaped my musical identity and confirmed that music was not simply an interest—it was my vocation. Currently, I am pursuing a major in Piano Performance, and music has been central to my educational journey. My academic and artistic training continually challenge me to refine my technique, expand my musical understanding, and develop interpretative depth. Long hours of practice, score study, and performance preparation have taught me perseverance and critical thinking, while ensemble work and collaboration have strengthened my ability to listen and communicate musically. Music has also shaped how I approach learning in general, teaching me patience, discipline, and the value of sustained effort toward long-term goals. Beyond the classroom, music has become a means of personal growth and reflection. It has taught me how to manage pressure, accept constructive criticism, and continuously seek improvement. Each performance is not only an artistic moment, but also an educational experience that deepens my understanding of myself and my craft. Through music, I have learned to balance structure with creativity and rigor with expression. Looking toward the future, my goal is to reach my highest ideals as a pianist. I primarily envision myself as a concert pianist, while remaining open to teaching, collaboration, and other musical roles that allow me to share and deepen my artistry. I plan to pursue graduate studies to continue refining my technique, musical insight, and artistic voice at the highest level. For me, classical music is a lifelong companion—an art form that speaks directly to the soul and remains a constant source of meaning, growth, and purpose throughout life.
    Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship
    My connection with music began even before I was born. While my mother was pregnant, my parents would play classical music for me, believing in its power to nurture the mind and soul. Growing up in a home where music was always present—especially through my father, a lifelong lover of music—this early exposure naturally shaped my path. At the age of six, I began formal piano lessons, and from that moment on, music became an essential part of my life, not as a pastime, but as a language through which I understood the world. A defining turning point came when I was ten years old, when I began studying piano professionally at the Instituto Superior de Artes in Costa Rica under the guidance of Alexandr Sklioutovski and Tamara Meltser. Entering a professional musical environment at such a young age required discipline, focus, and maturity. Through this training, I learned that music demands more than technical ability; it requires responsibility, honesty, and a deep respect for the composer’s intent. This experience fundamentally shaped my musical identity and confirmed that music was not simply an interest—it was my vocation. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, and music has been central to my educational journey. My academic and artistic training continually challenge me to refine my technique, expand my musical understanding, and develop interpretative depth. Long hours of practice, score study, and performance preparation have taught me perseverance and critical thinking, while ensemble work and collaboration have strengthened my ability to listen and communicate musically. Music has also shaped how I approach learning in general, teaching me patience, discipline, and the value of sustained effort toward long-term goals. Beyond the classroom, music has become a means of personal growth and reflection. It has taught me how to manage pressure, accept constructive criticism, and continuously seek improvement. Each performance is not only an artistic moment, but also an educational experience that deepens my understanding of myself and my craft. Through music, I have learned to balance structure with creativity and rigor with expression. Looking toward the future, my goal is to reach my highest ideals as a pianist. I primarily envision myself as a concert pianist, while remaining open to teaching, collaboration, and other musical roles that allow me to share and deepen my artistry. I plan to pursue graduate studies to continue refining my technique, musical insight, and artistic voice at the highest level. For me, classical music is a lifelong companion—an art form that speaks directly to the soul and remains a constant source of meaning, growth, and purpose throughout life.