Matthew Poon is Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
and maintains an active career as a scholar, conductor, and educator. His work bridges
academic research and performance, with interests spanning music theory, orchestral
conducting, and community engagement. As a theorist, Matthew’s research focuses on musical
form and the analysis of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Western art music, with additional
interests in music perception and Japanese anime music.

As a conductor, Matthew serves as Music Director of the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, Eau Claire
Chamber Orchestra, and Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony. Prior to relocating to Wisconsin,
he was active in Toronto’s musical community as Music Director of the Strings Attached
Orchestra and conductor of the Toronto Chinese Orchestra. He also held assistant conducting
positions with the Kindred Spirits Orchestra and ensembles at McMaster University. He
remains connected to the Toronto arts community as Music Director of the ME &- Lau Family
Foundation’s String Music and Art Exhibitions and as Artistic Advisor to the Canadian Chinese
Orchestra.

Matthew previously taught at Oberlin College & Conservatory and the University of Toronto.
He holds PhD, MA and MM degrees from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Music from
McMaster University, and an ARCT diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music.