While attending Rutgers University as a Percussion Performance Major, Matt recorded two albums with the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble on the Nonesuch Label. He performed in concerts conducted by Robert Black, Charles Wuorinen, and Carlos Chavez and worked with the Group for Contemporary Music and Speculum Musicae; it seemed as if Matt was headed to be a percussionist of modern music, but as we know, all things change.
Finding work in New York is not easy, so when the opportunity came along to be in the house band at the world famous Comic Strip, Matt took the job. Here entertainment history was taking place; Matt shared the stage with up-and-coming comics Jerry Seinfeld, Gilbert Godfried, Larry Miller, and Eddie Murphy. While keeping his steady gig he studied with jazz drummer Freddie Waits and attended big band workshops at Lynn Oliver Studios. Matt also created music with the group Alda Reserve, a new wave band that signed with Sire Records and did concerts with The Ramones, Iggy Pop, The David Johannson Band and The B-52s. Alda headlined their own shows at CBGBs, Maxs Kansas City, Tramps, and Trax in New York and sold out shows in Philadelphia at the Hot Club and at the studios of WMMR radio station. After 2 successful albums and several tours of the states, the road took its toll and it was time to seek out new avenues, so Matt headed back to college to get his M.A. in music.
Matt is currently a member of the Percussive Arts Society, a Vic Firth Endorser and member of the Vic Firth Education Team, and a Kat Artist for the MalletKat electronic instruments company.
