TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS

Matthew began working under the tutelage of his father (Robert Moffatt) at the age of 16, and will attest that he “never stops learning” from Bob. Bob has had over 40 years of experience tuning and repairing pianos, and he has tuned for and learned from the Best in the world. Robert completed both the Steinway and Yamaha Training courses, and has passed that knowledge and training on to Matthew over the past 25 plus years.

From the age of 18 to 20, while working at Irene Besse Keyboards, Matthew learned refinishing techniques, piano repining and restringing from his Uncle, Gordon Moffatt. Matthew also had the opportunity to work with Michael Lipniki who demonstrated some of the basics of tuning, minor regulation and piano prep in a new store environment.

While working at the National Music Center (Formerly Cantos), Matthew was trained and mentored by William (Bill) Garlik of Steinway Pianos New York for over 5 years. The knowledge and understanding of pianos that William passed on to Matthew was invaluable. By teaching Matthew an appreciation for both the conservation and restoration of Pianos, Forte Pianos, Harpsicords and Clavicords, William taught Matthew a respect for both the “old” and the “new”. Matthew continues to carry that respect and knowledge to every appointment he attends today.

Matthew continued to learn from the best while at NMC (Cantos) when he had the opportunity to be taught Historical Conservation of Keyboard Instruments by Robert (Bob) L. Barclay. Bob Barclay was the Senior Conservator at the Canadian Conservation Institute in Ottawa for over 33 years. Upon completion of his training, Matthew was recognized as one of a handful of people authorized to work on historical keyboard instruments in all of North America.

Most recently (JUNE 2016) Matthew had the opportunity to train at Steinway New York. He attended the C. F. Theodore Steinway Academy at the Steinway & Sons Factory in Long Island City, New York where he earned a Certificate for the "Regulation and Touch" seminar.

WORK EXPERIENCE

2009 to Present: MOFFATT PIANO SERVICE. In 2009 Matthew returned to Calgary and established his own company, MOFFATT PIANO SERVICE. Today Matthew runs a successful and thriving Piano Tuning and Repair company. He services many Clients, Companies, Institutions and Individuals, including many Recording Studios and Piano Teachers. Moffatt Piano Service is proud to be the trusted Floor and Warranty tuner/technician and Concert & Artist Tuner for STEINWAY PIANO GALLERY CALGARY.

2007 – 2008: MOIR PIANO of Kelowna was Matthew’s next experience. He took care of the floor pianos, and all of the outside customer tunings.

1999 – 2006: At NMC (Cantos) Matthew fulfilled the role of Head Technician and Conservationist. He took care of over 40 instruments, spanning in age from the early 1800’s to modern day.

1998- 1999: Worked at BALDWIN PIANOS CALGARY as the head floor technician and tuner.

1996 – 1998: Worked at IRENE BESSE KEYBOARDS as an Apprentice Tuner/Technician and Refinisher.

1993 – Current: Began working at ROBERT MOFFATT PIANO SERVICE as a Piano Tuner/Technician Apprentice. To date, Matthew continues to work with Robert Moffatt servicing many Calgary Institutions and loyal Customers as an accomplished Piano Tuner/Technician.

WHO HE WORKS FOR

Matthew has tuned for various institutions, events and individuals. While every client is important, there are several which are noteworthy including but not limited to:

ARTISTS:

Elton John

David Foster

Celine Dion

Lenny Kravitz

The Judds

Guns and Roses

EVENTS AND INSTITUTIONS:

Honens

Tom Lee Music

Calgary Folk Festival

Calgary Opera

The Jubilee Auditorium

Jack Singer

Steinway Piano Gallery Calgary

Theatre Calgary

NMC Concert Stage

Cantos Music Foundation

Alberta Ballet

The Juno’s

Vertigo Theatre

MRU

Cow Town Opera (Heritage Park)