Finding Harmony: How Matthew Nowlan Discovered His Path in Music

When Matthew Nowlan first picked up the violin at just five years old, he never imagined that music would one day become his career. Even after switching to the viola as a high school junior or choosing to major in political science at the University of Illinois, Matthew never envisioned himself pursuing music professionally.

His shift from violin to viola came down to sound. He loved the viola’s deeper tone. While the violin often carries the melody, the viola provides harmony, something Matthew at first found difficult to embrace. He recalls feeling a sense of “imposter syndrome” in what seemed like a supporting role.

That perspective began to change when he started studying with Professor Liz Freivogel, an acclaimed violist at the University of Illinois. Under her guidance, Matthew played in a string quartet and discovered the true beauty and importance of the viola. Professor Freivogel’s mentorship became a turning point, inspiring him to seriously consider a future in music toward the end of college.

Matthew’s mother was another powerful influence. A clarinetist and longtime teacher at Midwest Conservatory of Music (MCM), she instilled in him a deep love for music and encouraged his growth as a musician. Today, Matthew works at MCM, the very place where he once took lessons as a student, while his mother continues to teach there.

His journey into music administration began with the Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), where he once performed as a student. Wanting to give back, he volunteered his time, which soon turned into a formal role supporting both MPO and MCM. He has now been a music administrator for over five years, balancing the “many moving parts” of the job. He sees it as a chance to help musicians flourish: “Musicians express themselves through their art,” he says. “My role is to facilitate their ability to do that.”

But administration isn’t his only path forward. Matthew recently received thrilling news. He was accepted as a violist in the prestigious Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Although he had occasionally performed as a substitute, this new full-time position came as a surprise. It holds special meaning for him as well: his mother also played with the Civic Orchestra early in her own career. For someone who once swore he couldn’t be a professional musician, this moment felt both unexpected and deeply rewarding. His mother was equally surprised, and overjoyed.

When it comes to music itself, Matthew’s tastes are wide-ranging. Classical music remains his greatest love, whether performed in orchestra, chamber groups, or solo works. He especially admires composers like Mahler, Bruckner, and Rachmaninoff. At the same time, he’s been exploring jazz, experimenting with new sounds as he develops his own style. In addition to classical music, his playlist includes indie pop, R&B, and bossa nova.

Matthew believes deeply in the impact of music education: “It makes students more patient, compassionate, and open to the opinions of others,” he says. 

Reflecting on his unexpected journey, Matthew shares a lesson he’s learned along the way:

“There is a need to support yourself and make a living, but you also need to follow your instincts and dreams. It’s never too late to take a risk or change your path. Continuing my instrument opened my eyes to different possibilities.”

For Matthew Nowlan, what began as a childhood hobby became a calling. And though he never planned to make music his career, he now finds himself exactly where he’s meant to be - in harmony with his instrument.