I am Matthew Hartdegen, a composer, pianist, and educator who weaves strategic leadership, academic rigor, and artistic innovation into everything I do. I bridge traditional pedagogy with modern EdTech, emphasizing critical reasoning, philosophical thinking, and experiential creativity to treat education as an art. I thrive on collaborative teams, lifelong learning, and a precise, adaptable vision that empowers learners, colleagues, and institutions to excel in the 21st century. I am motivated by curiosity and generosity, and I strive to cultivate inclusive, human-centered learning environments where every student can express authentic creativity and musical voice.

Matthew Hartdegen

I am Matthew Hartdegen, a composer, pianist, and educator who weaves strategic leadership, academic rigor, and artistic innovation into everything I do. I bridge traditional pedagogy with modern EdTech, emphasizing critical reasoning, philosophical thinking, and experiential creativity to treat education as an art. I thrive on collaborative teams, lifelong learning, and a precise, adaptable vision that empowers learners, colleagues, and institutions to excel in the 21st century. I am motivated by curiosity and generosity, and I strive to cultivate inclusive, human-centered learning environments where every student can express authentic creativity and musical voice.

Available to hire

I am Matthew Hartdegen, a composer, pianist, and educator who weaves strategic leadership, academic rigor, and artistic innovation into everything I do. I bridge traditional pedagogy with modern EdTech, emphasizing critical reasoning, philosophical thinking, and experiential creativity to treat education as an art. I thrive on collaborative teams, lifelong learning, and a precise, adaptable vision that empowers learners, colleagues, and institutions to excel in the 21st century.

I am motivated by curiosity and generosity, and I strive to cultivate inclusive, human-centered learning environments where every student can express authentic creativity and musical voice.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Head of Culture (Director of Culture) at Curro Waterfall
June 1, 2025 - Present
Member of the Senior Management Team tasked with reinspiring, reimagining, and reinventing Curro Waterfall’s culture. Reestablished choirs, marimba groups, and group and individual music lessons; planned Creative Arts for grades 8-9; initiated whole-scale music development and music appreciation classes aligned with CAPS; implemented technologically driven creative solutions to engage learners, parents, and staff in shaping the school’s cultural identity.
Part-time Peripatetic Piano and Violoncello Teacher at St David’s Marist Brothers’ College
January 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Specialised in piano and violoncello; managed multiple students’ growth within an IEB framework and Catholic educational context; built holistic individualised growth.
Corporate and Business Training Consultant at GoFluent
May 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024
Designed hyper-personalised executive language training and drove hybrid global training programmes; integrated AI-driven assessment tools to enhance stakeholder engagement, performance analytics, and adaptive curriculum refinement.
Part-time Music Teacher and Performing Accompanist at National School of the Arts, Johannesburg
January 1, 2018 - November 1, 2022
Curated bespoke performance training, guiding students toward technical mastery, artistic fluency, and personal musical identity; provided professional accompaniment and coaching for national competitions.
Music Teacher and Master in Charge of Culture at Bryanston Primary School, Johannesburg
January 1, 2018 - November 1, 2022
Revitalised the arts & culture programme, reintroduced Junior and Senior Choirs, Marimba Bands, and personalised tuition; designed interdisciplinary collaborations to foster holistic artistic development.
Homeroom Teacher at Royal Canadian School of Cairo
January 1, 2015 - December 1, 2017
Implemented global best-practice pedagogical frameworks; fostered inquiry-based learning and balanced social-emotional development within a diverse student community.
English and Music Teacher at Kingsmead College, Johannesburg
January 1, 2012 - December 1, 2014
Delivered English and Music instruction at a high-performing private school; contributed to academic excellence and artistic growth.
Piano and Violoncello Teacher (Peripatetic) at St David’s Marist Brothers’ College, Inanda, Johannesburg
June 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Specialised in piano and cello performance; managed growth of multiple students within the IEB framework; built strong relationships and fostered individualized growth; emphasised expressive commitment to personal artistry and leadership.
English and Music Teacher at St Patrick's Christian Brothers' College, Kimberley
January 1, 2015 - December 1, 2017
English and Music instruction; contributed to extra-curricular and performance opportunities; supported high academic and artistic achievement.

Education

Add your educational history here.

Qualifications

120-Hour TEFL Diploma
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
Advanced Piano Certificate, Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
Advanced Piano Duet (Chamber) Certificate, Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
480-Hour Neuro-Integration Methodology
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
BMus (Honours) Magna Cum Laude with Academic Honour
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
Teaching Diploma (Music and Performing Arts), Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
National Senior Certificate (IEB), 4 Distinctions
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
SACE (South African Council of Educators)
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
GoFluent (US) Business and Corporate English Training Certification
January 1, 2024 - January 15, 2026
Purple Ruler (UK) Methodology and Pedagogy Certification
January 1, 2024 - January 15, 2026
Berlitz Methodology and Pedagogy Certification
January 1, 2024 - January 15, 2026
AQA Certification in Anti-Bullying, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Prejudicial Treatment
January 1, 2024 - January 15, 2026
120-Hour TEFL Diploma
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026
Advanced Piano Certificate, Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026
Advanced Piano Duet (Chamber) Certificate, Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026
480-Hour Neuro-Integration Methodology
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026
BMus (Honours) Magna Cum Laude with Academic Honourary Colours
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026
Teaching Diploma (Music and Performing Arts), Cum Laude
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026
National Senior Certificate (IEB), 4 Distinctions
January 11, 2030 - March 16, 2026
SACE (South African Council for Educators) Certification
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
GoFluent (US) Business and Corporate English Training Certification
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Purple Ruler Methodology and Pedagogy Certification
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Berlitz Methodology and Pedagogy Certification
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
AQA Certification in Anti-Bullying, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Extremism, and Anti-Prejudicial Treatment
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization