Biography:

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Matt came to the United States at a very young age and grew up in New Jersey. He took an interest in music early on and began studying piano at age 9 and clarinet at age 10.

Matt attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD. He was in the Bachelor of Music program for clarinet in the studio of Steven Barta, the Bachelor of Music Education program, as well as a Minor in Piano Performance in the studio of Nancy Roldan. While at Peabody, Matt played with the Peabody Wind Ensemble under the direction of Harlan Parker and is on their recording ‘Collage’ on the Naxos Wind Band Classics label. He was also a member of the Peabody Concert Orchestra and an avid chamber musician.

In 2006, Matt participated in the Institute for European Studies’ Chamber Music Workshop in Vienna, Austria. During this workshop, he had the opportunity to work with members of the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra performing in masterclasses and chamber music seminars.

As a music educator, Matt has taught in the Baltimore County, Howard County, and San Francisco County public school systems. He specializes in instrumental music but has also spent significant time teaching and directing choral programs and musical theatre, as both as Musical Director for the OnStage Middle School Workshop in New Jersey and as an Artist in Residence with the SF Arts Education Project in San Francisco.

In September 2008, Matt moved from Baltimore to San Francisco. He currently performs with such Bay Area Groups such as the ECHO Chamber Orchestra, for which he also serves on their steering & artistic committee. Matt also regularly performs solo and chamber music in San Francisco.

In 2014, Matt co-founded Little Mission Studio, a new music school with the mission of providing the highest quality music education in San Francisco, where he serves as piano & clarinet faculty, and runs the Little Mission Jam Band & Little Mission Chamber Ensembles.

As a composer, Matt studied with Bay Area composer Belinda Reynolds. His works have been premiered by Bay Area musicians & orchestras such as the ECHO Chamber Orchestra & Fog City Percussion. His compositions range from solo & chamber works, to full orchestral works, & he believes in writing music for both professionals as well as contributing to student repertoire. His book ‘Music for Broken Arms‘ was published in 2022 & features piano music for students using only one hand at the keys. 

In 2021, Matt co-founded the Make More Music Foundation, in memory & honor of his parents. This non-profit foundation has the mission of uplifting and educating the next generation of young musicians through scholarships to musical instruction, hosting community educational concerts, & facilitating instrument donations & placements. Matt proudly serves as President of the Board for the Foundation. 

In 2024, Matt was honored in Yamaha’s Top ’40 Under 40′ Music Educators. 

Outside of music, Matt enjoys cooking & baking, wine, nature, travel, art, & photography. 

The Basics:

• Clarinetist Since: 1993
• Pianist Since: 1994
• Educator Since: 2001
• Performance Specialties:
  • New & Contemporary Music
  • Chamber Music
  • Piano Accompaniment
•  Teaching Specialties:
  • Beginning through Advanced Clarinet
  • Beginning through Advanced Piano
  • Instrumental Music Classes
  • Chamber Music
  • Musical Theatre & Choral Ensembles