Matt is multi-talented and wears many hats - pianist, composer, arranger, performer and bandleader. It is quite remarkeble that the talented jazz savant who is in command of music and has mesmerized the world with his brilliant compositions once found music harsh and upsetting during early childhood. At the age of three, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a high-functioning type of autism. With the help of therapy and parents support Matt’s love for music developed. His unstoppable musical journey began when he taught himself to play piano. Matt has toured worldwide, performing at venues like The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and so on. Matt has performed (on stage and in jam sessions) with artists such as Chick Corea, The Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan and lots more. His Media appearances have included Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz,”, “The Late Show with David Letterman”.

Can you tell us which of your albums is closest to your heart and why?M: I really enjoy the tunes from my latest albums A Bigger Celebration (which is basically a collection of songs about having fun) and A Live Celebration (which was recorded in Japan during my first tour there). The albums have great stories behind them!

What do you prefer, live performance or recording at studio and why?M: I prefer the spontaneity of live albums... although the pristine sound quality of studio albums is tough to beat.

What was your first composition? Can you see any difference from your first to your latest composition? If yes how is it different?M: I think my first composition was an "etude" style piece that was 8 bars long. It's definitely different from my recent compositions, with their complex jazz harmonies and unusual time signatures!

Which genre of Jazz do you like the most and why?M: My favorite style would probably be the "post-bop" of the 1960s; it's some of the most innovative and the most melodic jazz of all time.

What are your other hobbies?M: Skiing and cycling are always fun... and so is Asian food afterward.

Any special message for our community?M:  I definitely want to encourage the artistic spirit in every child. There are so many possibilities out there for the future, and they should be utilized when creativity begins in childhood. Anything is possible.