Meet Matthew Yalcin | Director, The Grand Music School

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Yalcin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, what matters most to you?
The principles that mean the most to me are personal responsibility and integrity. Throughout my journey as a music educator and in building The Grand Music School, these values have been at the core of everything I do. They guide how I approach my work, especially when it comes to mentoring, networking, and fostering a positive learning environment for my students.

Personal responsibility means ensuring that I honor my commitments—to my students, my team, and the broader community. Integrity is about staying true to my values and ensuring that my actions align with my intentions. Whether it’s carefully selecting the right educators to join our team or working one-on-one with students to help them realize their full potential, I strive to create an atmosphere of trust, respect, and mutual accountability.

These principles are essential not only for personal and professional growth but also for the enrichment that comes through music education. When students see that I hold myself to a high standard, it sets an example for them, fostering their own self-discipline, passion, and sense of accomplishment. By upholding integrity in every interaction, I’m able to help them not only learn music but also discover the deeper rewards of perseverance, focus, and creative expression. This commitment has allowed me to build a community where students can truly flourish, sharing in the joy of music while gaining valuable life skills that go far beyond the classroom.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Every journey comes with its challenges, but each obstacle has provided valuable lessons along the way. One of the biggest early hurdles, was building a talented and diverse team of music instructors capable of meeting the wide variety of needs and goals our students bring.

It wasn’t enough to simply find skilled musicians; we needed educators who could adapt to the unique aspirations of each student. This meant a careful vetting process, not just considering their qualifications and teaching styles but also ensuring they could personally connect with students in a meaningful way.

Overcoming these challenges reinforced the importance of collaboration and clear communication within our school community. By bringing together a team that shares both a passion for music and a commitment to nurturing talent, we’ve been able to create an environment where students truly thrive. Together, we empower our students to achieve their musical goals and foster a lifelong love for music.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a week to spend in Houston, I’d definitely immerse myself in the city’s vibrant culture and incredible art scene. First on my list would be catching some live music. I love the energy of intimate venues, so I’d start with a night at Avant Garden, where you can really experience the local talent up close. Then, I’d switch things up with a visit to House of Blues for a bigger, more electrifying performance—there’s always something exciting going on there.

Houston’s food scene is world-class, so I’d make sure to indulge in the best dining the city has to offer. I’d explore the Houston Heights area for its mix of upscale spots and hidden gems, or maybe head to Montrose for some diverse, global cuisine. From authentic Tex-Mex to sushi or fine dining, there’s no shortage of unforgettable meals to enjoy.

I’m always inspired by the arts, so a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts would definitely be on my list. I’d spend an afternoon there, taking in the impressive collections, which span everything from classical art to contemporary masterpieces. For a more theatrical experience, I’d check out a production at the Alley Theatre, which consistently puts on incredible performances.

Overall, my week in Houston would be a perfect mix of music, food, and the arts, all of which fuel my creativity and passion as an educator and musician.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I think about who deserves the most credit for my success, without question, it’s my parents. My journey with music started at the age of 6, thanks to them. They enrolled me in piano lessons, even when I was unsure about committing to the weekly sessions and daily practice routines. It was their support and encouragement that helped me develop a love for the piano, a love that quickly grew as I progressed through my lessons and participated in recitals.

One moment that stands out to me was when I was around 12 years old. I was practicing a jazz piece, completely lost in the music, not realizing my father was listening from the next room. After I finished, he came over and told me how moved he was by my performance. Coming from someone as reserved as my father, that compliment meant the world to me and pushed me to keep going.

Their unwavering belief in me shaped my path, allowing me to develop the discipline, focus, and passion for music that eventually led to the creation of The Grand Music School. They laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved, and I owe so much of my success to their guidance, support, and the values they instilled in me from the very beginning.

Website: https://thegrandmusicschool.com

Instagram: https://instragram.com/thegrandmusicschool

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thegrandmusicschool

Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/the-grand-music-school-richmond

Image Credits
Matthew Frolick