Dr. Alan Matheson

Instructor

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Biography

Alan Matheson is a Vancouver-based pianist, trumpeter, composer, and arranger. He teaches music at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Community College, focusing on jazz piano and trumpet, and also lectures in jazz history at the Vancouver Symphony School of Music. Matheson graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he studied under notable figures such as Vincent Cichowicz. He has extensive collaborations and performances with jazz legends including Clark Terry and Bud Shank. Matheson leads his own big bands and has conducted tributes to musical icons like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. His original compositions have been performed by various ensembles, including Julia Nolan on saxophone and David Palmer on pipe organ. Matheson's recordings include his CDs 'Intrada' (2004), 'Duetti' (2013), and 'Summer Evening' (2015). He premiered his composition 'Chaconne' with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra at the 2016 Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Additionally, Matheson regularly teaches at Otava, Finland's 'Classic Jazz Camp' and offers private lessons in trumpet and piano.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.