Pedals and Pedagogy: The Journey of Matthew Agba as an Organist, Pianist, and Educator

In the world of classical and sacred music in Nigeria and beyond, few names resonate with as much quiet influence and profound dedication as Matthew Agba. From the Psalms chants of midnight prayers in Calabar to prestigious performances across 27 Nigerian states, his story titled “Pedals and Pedagogy” is one of talent, resilience, and unwavering purpose.

Born into a musically enriched home, Matthew was constantly surrounded by the sounds of worship and harmony. His mother, Mrs. Inyang Agba, a veteran chorister with over 50 years of service, unknowingly laid the foundation for his journey. It was in those early moments singing psalms and hymns from the Church Hymnary at home that music began to take root in his soul.

Though he began singing in church at the age of nine, it wasn’t until after secondary school that his potential started to bloom. A seemingly modest gift a toy piano from his mother became the instrument that sparked what would grow into a global music career. Alongside his younger brother Patrick Agba, who had some background in music, Matthew began exploring the keyboard through self-teaching and experimentation.

His early piano techniques were raw but full of promise. Recognizing his enthusiasm, his choirmaster at the time, Mr. Raymond Inyang, referred him to Mr. Chibuike Oyesoh, then Organist at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Calabar. Mr. Oyesoh became an early mentor, encouraging Matthew to study William Smallwood’s piano tutor. His mother supported him financially, covering the cost of lessons.

Matthew’s rapid improvement earned him a full scholarship to the Trinity School of Music at the same cathedral. There, he undertook formal training in theory and piano, passed the Cambridge Grade 4 Music Exam, and even began tutoring fellow students a sign of the educator he was becoming.

His academic pursuits took him to the University of Benin, where his skills on the piano earned him distinction among peers and professors. His choir master, now Professor Gloria Vincent-Oshagae, once remarked, “Only a child whose hands are clean can dine with elders.” At the university, Matthew served for four years as the Chapel Organist at All Saints Chapel.

His NYSC posting brought him to Ikere-Ekiti, where he again made history becoming the first corps member with Primary place of assignment as Organist at Holy Trinity Anglican Church very rare indeed. After service, he returned to All Saints Chapel and later to Calabar, serving once again at Duke Town Cathedral. During this period, he also performed and taught piano music at Master Music Academy and the Hope Waddell Society of Music.

In 2013, Matthew founded Matt-Agba Music Consult, a music education consultancy that was officially incorporated in 2019. It has since grown into an internationally recognized platform for piano and organ training.

Now based in Lagos, he currently serves as Assistant Organist at the Chapel of the Healing Cross, LUTH, Idi-Araba. His musical reach spans the country performing Handel’s Baroque oratorios (Messiah, Judas Maccabeus, Saul, Deborah, and Jephtha) in multiple states. He has appeared at significant events, including the Ekiti State Carol 2009, Cross River State Carol Night (2015), attended by then-Governor Prof. Ben Ayade., and has played the organ during the former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo visits to the Chapel of the Healing Cross.

His performance highlights include collaborations with Opera Nigeria by the G Classic Resource at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Benin City, and a standout appearance at A Night with the King, held at the Cross River State Paramount Ruler’s Chambers. His organ recitals have featured works such as Tuba Tune in D by Lang and Toccata on Amazing Grace by Pardini, while his piano repertoire spans from Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart) and Für Elise (Beethoven) to Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer.

Matthew’s teaching journey is just as impressive. He is a Piano Instructor at Mountain Top University, Ogun State, and previously served as Administrative Head at Harryfield Music Institute for five years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Benin (Class of 2008) and was recognized for excellence in music education in 2018 by Harryfield Music Institute.

His numerous professional qualifications include:
• ABRSM Graded Piano and Theory Exams
• Grade 8 Piano Performance (International School of Musicians, London)
• Diploma in Music
• ABRSM Teaching Certification (2023)
• Certificate of Achievement (American International Music Competition)
• Music Scholarship (Nottingham Trent University, UK)

Matthew is a proud member of the Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN) and was present at several of their conferences. In July 2025, he delivered a groundbreaking symposium titled “Gender, Sexuality, and Representation: Uncovering the Contribution of Nigerian and African Art Music”, during the Organ House Concert and Seminar Series, convened by Dr. Ayorinde Oladele and attended by distinguished scholars including Professor Olabode Omojola a professor of African Art Music..

He currently serves as Head of West African Collaborations and Creative Development and Nigeria’s representative at the International School of Musicians, London UK, under the leadership of Dr. June Fileti. His article was featured in the Digital Reports for the International School of Musicians (November 2024).

Matthew’s service extends to the international stage, where he volunteers with Art Sphere Inc. (USA), From Art to Heart Foundation (Canada), Fox Music School (UK), and Leggio Education (Malta). In December 2024, he successfully organized his first sponsored online Christmas Carol concert. He also studied under renowned British organist Simon Johnson during a masterclass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

In 2023, he founded the Young Musicians Minders Foundation, which mentors over 45 young musicians within and outside Nigeria. In June 2024, he organized a young pianists’ recital to celebrate World Music Day. To date, he has taught over 100 students across Nigeria and presented them for professional music examinations in piano and music theory, with hopes of passing on the baton to the next generation including his own daughter, who has just begun her piano studies.
From the humble sounds of a toy piano to commanding some of Nigeria’s most prestigious organs and performance halls, Matthew Agba’s legacy is one built on discipline, mentorship, and an enduring love for music. His journey is a reminder that with faith, support, and education, one can turn passion into purpose and performance into legacy.