Matthew Rhee is a cellist and educator originally from New York. He recently completed a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Melissa Kraut and completed Suzuki teacher training under Abbey Hansen. Matthew earned his undergraduate degree at Gordon College, studying with Rafael Popper-Keizer, and was a winner of the school’s concerto competition, performing the Cello Concerto in B minor by Antonin Dvorak with the Gordon Symphony Orchestra. An active performer, Matthew previously served as a section cellist with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Ashland Symphony Orchestra and the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. He also performed with Erie Philharmonic, BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, and Forest City Strings. Starting in the fall of 2026, Matthew will join the cello section of The Alabama Symphony Orchestra. As a teacher, Matthew is passionate about fostering musical growth through thoughtful, student-centered instruction.