Mateo Arnáiz (Spain)

Professor Mateo Arnáiz is a guitarist, pedagogue, and holds a Doctorate in Educational Sciences. His educational journey took him through the Conservatory of Music in A Coruña, Spain, and furthered his studies at the École Normale de Musique Alfred Cortot in Paris, where he had the privilege of being mentored by maestro Alberto Ponce.

In 2015, he earned a Doctorate in Psychological Research in Educational Contexts from the University of A Coruña with an outstanding 'cum laude' distinction and the designation of International Doctor.

To advance his musical and guitar training, he attended courses led by renowned guitarists such as Pablo Marquez, Leo Brouwer, Roberto Aussel, Stephan Schmidt, and others. It was his interactions with two guitar luminaries, Roland Dyens and David Russell, that profoundly shaped his musical development during this stage.

Between 1996 and 2007, Prof. Arnáiz received several guitar awards in both France and Spain, including two top prizes in international competitions and a scholarship from the international Nadia et Lili Boulanger Center Foundation (Fondation de France). He has recorded numerous albums, with one of the most notable being his work titled 'The Sound of Emotions,' featuring his original compositions for the guitar, published in 2018. Additionally, in 2022, he released his second work with the group EnClave, titled 'O noso tango.

Prof. Arnáiz frequently performs in countries including France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Latvia, and Algeria, often appearing as a soloist with symphony orchestras. In addition to his roles as an interpreter and composer, he continues his research, building upon his doctoral thesis, and has developed the M.A.R. (Musical Anxiety Release) program aimed at mitigating stage anxiety in musical performances.

Prof. Arnáiz has performed as a soloist, showcasing Joaquín Rodrigo's 'Concerto de Aranjuez' with the 'Gaos Orchestra.' Additionally, he has recorded several albums with the aim of conveying emotions through a diverse selection of works by various composers and styles, including his own compositions.

He has collaborated with fellow musicians, including the formation of the Axioma II guitar duo with Javier Santaella Morales and the EnClave Trio, featuring vibraphone, double bass, and guitar, alongside Miguel Castro and Chimo Pallas, among others.

As a teacher, he feels fortunate to share his passion. His teaching journey began at the Conservatoire Russe Serge Rachmaninoff in Paris and the E.M. in L'Île-Saint-Denis, France. Currently, he serves as a guitar professor at the Professional Conservatory of Music in A Coruña, Spain.