Bio

Matthew was born in Indiana, Pa on 11/28/77. His musical career started immediately at birth when he sang his first composition. (the untrained ear would mistake his first song for crying, but he was testing his vocal cords rigorously...) In elementary school Dr. John Kuehn was his band teacher, who had exceptional motivational techniques. He travelled with Dr. Kuehn to music education conferences in Scotland and Australia, playing alto & baritone saxophones and clarinet. In middle and high school, he participated in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, All-State Choir, theater productions, and Jazz Band. Matthew studied music privately from Roy Mitchell (saxophone) and Elmer Ogoreuc (guitar) for years. In 1996, Matthew graduated with honors and was awarded the Sara Stephenson Memorial Scholarship; then he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and majored in music education. While at I.U.P, he marched the Macy's Day Parade in New York City, sang on Royal Canadian Television at the Cathedral in Quebec City, and was a baritone soloist in Handel's Messiah. He studied alto saxophone with Dr. John Kuehn and voice with Ms. Joanne Luchsinger. Matthew has been performing with professional rock bands since the age of 16. Since moving to central Florida in 2002, he has produced many of his own background tracks for live solo performances and written original music. In 2003, he began teaching saxophone, guitar, voice, piano, and clarinet lessons at 5 locations in central Florida: Lewis Music in Kissimmee, Jammers Music in St. Cloud and Kissimmee, Avalon School and Music Center in Orlando, and South Lake Academy of Music in Clermont, teaching between fifty and sixty students per week. Randy Lobeck (a.k.a. Alto Reed), the original saxophonist for Bob Seger, was introduced to Matthew in 2004, and Randy invited him to study and perform as his protoge. Matthew performs with several bands with Randy, including: Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs, Danser, and J.J. and the Classics. Since joining AFM in 2005, he has been busy performing with multiple bands and as a solo artist for all occasions. Matthew has been performing solo at resorts, coffee shops, private parties, restaurants, and clubs. In 2006, he landed a steady gig at Star Island Resort in the Walt Disney World area, and he currently performs at the resort every saturday evening from 7 - 11 PM. In 2007, he completed production of his debut album entitled, "Calling Out". In addition, Matthew has also signed a contract to perform at T.G.I. Friday’s in Kissimmee Wednesdays from 10 PM – 1 AM. Matthew is currently booking dates for the remainder of 2007 and beyond. All of his life, Matthew has had but one objective: to enrich the lives of everyone who enjoys positive musical energy through live performances and music education.