It all started with a song...
In 1984 Matt was introduced to a song by Van Halen called Jump. This simple 3-chord progression inspired Matt to study music which finally lead him to pursue it as a career. Since 1992 Matt has been an active musician on the Alberta music scene. He has had the privilege of playing with jazz/blues legend, Clarence "Big" Miller, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and The Calgary Philharmonic. An accomplished pianist and entertainer, Matt has performed for television specials, fund-raisers, galas, conventions and numerous community events and concerts.
...but it didn't end thereRecently Matt has been getting a lot of work as a musical humorist and speaker. Combining music with humor gives Matt a great outlet to inspire his creativity. As a certified professional coach, Matt finds great satisfaction encouraging others to reach their musical and life goals.
Matt's abilities as a session musician and songwriter / arranger are also in demand. He has written, scored and directed several full length musicals and is heard on many recordings from a number of Alberta based artists. His playing style brings a certain freshness to the piano. Matt's most recent work can be heard on vocalist, Jodie Leslie's new album, Resonant Frequency. Matt has also performed on previous recordings with artists such as Sandy Foster and Roland Majeau.
Matt's favourite jazz trio in the world is the Flextime Trio. He is also their pianist. Matt can be heard on Flextime's two CD's, Expecting You and Timeless.
Clients
Matt has provided music in solo piano format or ensembles for corporate clients such as:
Syncrude, Epcor, Weber Motors, Peace Hills Insurance, Alberta Treasury Branch, The Stollery Children's Hospital, Hotel MacDonald, Manulife Place, Earls Restaurants, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Toronto Dominion Bank, Fun Sun Vacations, City of Edmonton Managers Association events and many more.
In 2005 Matt had the distinguished honour of performing for Queen Elizabeth II at the official opening of the Royal Museum of Alberta. During this event Matt performed with such artists and groups as:
- Razor's Edge
- Wes Yaciuk
- Janelle Reinhart
- Award winning country artist, Mike Gouchie
- The Alberta Centennial Children's Choir
Events such as these require a great deal of versatility from all musicians involved as one is required to play styles such as jazz, country, pop, rock and pop according to the artist he or she is supporting. Matt has the ability to be very flexible in these situations, making him a natural and versatile choice for events of this nature.
Matt is in his 11th summer season as pianist with the Flextime Trio at the world famous, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alberta. (If you are looking for live music on a trip to Jasper this summer, be sure to check out the Flextime Trio at the Jasper Park lodge.)
He is married to Darlene, and is the father of four wonderful children.
Education
- BA, Mus major, Concordia University College of Alberta
- Diploma, piano performance, Grant MacEwan College
- Masters in Leadership, CREST Leadership Centre
- CPC, Certified Professional Coach, International Coaching Academy
Recordings
Matt's new CD's A Letter from Home and Do You See What I Hear can be heard here. Matt is excited about working on the new Flextime Trio CD as well as some new piano projects.