Matthew is seen as one of the leading specialist B♭ Bass players in the brass band movement having played in Black Dyke band for over 25 years.
Matthew was born in Tredegar in South Wales and spent his childhood in Abergavenny. His first taste of music came when he was seven and started piano lessons. It was recommended that Matthew should try another instrument, so he went along to Abergavenny Borough Band.
Matthew received excellent tuition at school from Alun F. Williams (former Head of Gwent Music Service) and received sound guidance and a wealth of experience from Eric Powell at Abergavenny Borough Band (whom Eric conducted for over 40 years). He started on baritone aged 11 and eventually moved onto B♭ Tuba when he was 15.
Matthew has been a member of the Gwent Youth Brass Band, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He studied music at Huddersfield University, where the late Stuart Roebuck, former tuba player with the Hallé, taught him. Whilst at Huddersfield, Matthew joined Sellers Engineering Band.
In June 1995 Matthew was invited to join the Black Dyke Mills Band and has been there ever since. There have been many highlights over the years, both on the contest and concert front, and the privilege of being able to perform in some of the most fantastic concert halls in the world, like Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Metropolitan Hall, the KKL in Lucerne and the Royal Albert Hall.
Matthew has relished the opportunities that have come his way to put something back into youth music. He is involved in several projects with aspiring youngsters from all over the country. He is currently the Tuba Tutor with the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain and the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band.
In his professional life Matthew teaches Music and Performing Arts. When not at work or band, Matthew enjoys socialising with friends and spending time with his family.
