I am a seasoned improviser, educator, composer and poet based in Birmingham, bringing more than a decade of professional experience across diverse ensemble settings and musical styles. I am driven by a goal to blur the lines between Indian classical music, Western classical music and serialism, creating music that reflects my Indian heritage while drawing on my experiences as a first-generation Indian in Britain. My career has included collaborations with leading jazz musicians, Arts Council England funding (DYCP) for projects like Loophole in 2024, and involvement with groups such as A Hologram Maze and the Ibeji project. I have taught at institutions like BIMM and led workshops for communities and youth, delivering high-standard commissions and engaging performance programs across venues from Symphony Hall to Jazz Cafe and Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Shivraj Singh Matwala

I am a seasoned improviser, educator, composer and poet based in Birmingham, bringing more than a decade of professional experience across diverse ensemble settings and musical styles. I am driven by a goal to blur the lines between Indian classical music, Western classical music and serialism, creating music that reflects my Indian heritage while drawing on my experiences as a first-generation Indian in Britain. My career has included collaborations with leading jazz musicians, Arts Council England funding (DYCP) for projects like Loophole in 2024, and involvement with groups such as A Hologram Maze and the Ibeji project. I have taught at institutions like BIMM and led workshops for communities and youth, delivering high-standard commissions and engaging performance programs across venues from Symphony Hall to Jazz Cafe and Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Available to hire

I am a seasoned improviser, educator, composer and poet based in Birmingham, bringing more than a decade of professional experience across diverse ensemble settings and musical styles. I am driven by a goal to blur the lines between Indian classical music, Western classical music and serialism, creating music that reflects my Indian heritage while drawing on my experiences as a first-generation Indian in Britain.

My career has included collaborations with leading jazz musicians, Arts Council England funding (DYCP) for projects like Loophole in 2024, and involvement with groups such as A Hologram Maze and the Ibeji project. I have taught at institutions like BIMM and led workshops for communities and youth, delivering high-standard commissions and engaging performance programs across venues from Symphony Hall to Jazz Cafe and Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Lecturer in Music at BIMM University
September 1, 2024 - Present
Lecturer in Music at BIMM University; involved in teaching and program development within the Birmingham campus.
Creative Director at Symphony Hall and Town Hall
September 1, 2015 - Present
I was leader and responsible for 21 members of staff and 66 participants resulting a performance on symphony hall stage
Events Management at Cherry Reds Cafe
September 1, 2015 - September 1, 2017
Events management role coordinating events at Cherry Reds Cafe.
Voluntary Teaching Assistant at Junior Conservatoire - Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
September 1, 2018 - September 1, 2019
Voluntary Teaching Assistant supporting music education for students; age range 9-18.
Lead Tutor at b:Music - Symphony Hall and Town Hall
September 1, 2015 - Present
Lead tutor for the b:Music program, overseeing classes, ensembles, and outreach activities at the Symphony Hall and Town Hall venues in Birmingham.
Lecturer, Music at BIMM University
September 1, 2024 - Present
Lecturer in Music at BIMM University, delivering undergraduate music courses, overseeing practical ensembles and improvisation-focused projects.
Lead Tutor at Symphony Hall and Town Hall
September 1, 2015 - Present
Lead Tutor for Music education and workshops, mentoring students and coordinating ensemble activities across a major city venue.

Education

BA(Hons) Jazz Music (2:1) at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
September 1, 2015 - June 1, 2019
A-Levels at Various
January 11, 2030 - March 4, 2026
GCSEs at Various
January 11, 2030 - March 4, 2026
BA (Hons) Jazz Music at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
September 1, 2015 - June 1, 2019
BA(Hons) Jazz Music at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
September 1, 2015 - June 1, 2019

Qualifications

Arts Council England DYCP Grant – Loophole
January 1, 2024 - March 4, 2026
Arts Council England DYCP Grant – Loophole project
January 1, 2024 - March 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    paper Creative Director of the B:Music Summer school

    Director of one of the largest music educational programs in Birmingham funded by the charity B:Music. I led over 100 students and staff and created the artistic vision, curriculum and logistical outlook of the program. The result of this program was six groups of 12 participants performing music they learnt in three days to their parents on the Symphony Hall stage. I led a mass performance which included all staff and students which they learnt in three days and performed. As a teenager, I was a student on this program. So being able to teach children in the same socio-economic position as me - makes me passionate about cultivating growth in children of all backgrounds, abilities and instruments.