about me
A mathematics teacher who's also a musician
A Swedish-qualified teacher of both maths and music. I've been explaining things for a living since 2014. In Gothenburg classrooms, at a science centre, and at a high school in rural South Africa.
how I got here
Maths and music, from the start
I didn't come to mathematics from one direction. I trained as a musician (voice is my main instrument) and spent years performing on stage and screen before I ever stood at the front of a classroom. At the same time I was pulled towards the analytical side of things. I did coursework in engineering and computer science, and then a full teaching qualification that covered both maths and music. Living in both worlds has never felt like a contradiction to me. It's just how I think.
That turns out to matter more than I expected. A lot of students arrive convinced they're "a creative person, not a maths person," as if the two rule each other out. I know from experience that they don't. And students seem to find that easier to believe coming from someone who's spent as much time on a stage as at a whiteboard. Performing also taught me things that have little to do with music. For example how to tell when someone's quietly lost, and how to reach for a different explanation when the first one hasn't landed.
Mostly it means there's usually more than one way in. If a student can't connect with me through the maths, they can connect through something else first. That tends to make the maths itself feel a good deal less intimidating.
by the numbers
Teaching background
teaching background
Experience overview
Tutoring in Zurich
After moving to Zurich, I decided to focus on one-to-one tutoring. This allows me to focus on the specific gaps individual students have to address their needs.
Sabbatical in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
I spent a year living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I worked one-to-one with students from different backgrounds and ability levels. Evenings went to a musical production of Cabaret: same year, same person, and neither half felt out of place.
Musical Production of Cabaret Upper-secondary mathematics teacher
As a full-time classroom teacher in private and municipal schools in Gothenburg, I taught maths to whole classes aged 16–19, running exam preparation and supporting students who had fallen behind and needed to retake a course and regain their footing.
Universeum Science Center, Gothenburg Master of Arts in Education
I earned a Master of Arts in Upper Secondary Education at the University of Gothenburg, specialising in Mathematics and Music and obtaining a full teaching qualification.
International & STEM experience
I've taught in South Africa, worked in STEM education at the Universeum Science Center, and trained as a musician and performer. My artistic background allows me to relate to students when they're stuck.
Nongoma, South Africa testimonials
What students and school leaders say
Anonymous course feedback from former students, plus professional references from school leadership.
Huge thanks to Jonatan for the wonderful support and commitment he has shown. Thanks to his skills and structure, he has helped my son grow and feel secure in maths. We are enormously grateful for the positive difference he has made.
For the first time, we heard our daughter say good things about maths and a maths teacher. Jonatan was relaxed, encouraging and patient, and helped her believe she could actually do it.
Jonatan helped our daughter to stop feeling worthless in maths. Jonatan was relaxed, encouraging and patient, and helped her believe that she could actually do it.
He saw that our daughter could do more than she believed, once the nerves and years of stress were no longer standing in the way.
There’s something special about how you explain things. After his explanations, I can solve the questions.
If you don’t understand something, he explains it from another angle.
He creates a safe environment in the classroom and is very kind.
Jonatan combines patience, clarity, and high expectations in a way that helps students trust the learning process.
Jonatan has a strong ability to find points of entry for students who might otherwise disengage from mathematics.
Jonatan does not lower the bar. He helps students reach it through clear explanations, calm structure, and a strong sense of trust.
He has a rare ability to stay practical, focused, and warm. Even when students are struggling or the situation is demanding.
get in touch
Stuck, preparing for an exam, or just tired of maths feeling unclear? Send me a message and we’ll find the right next step.
Contact
Include the student’s year group, curriculum, current topic, and what feels difficult right now — so I can prepare properly for the consultation.
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