A native of Oklahoma, Matt began studying the tuba in the 7th grade, with Bernard Guzik, principal tuba with the Tulsa Philharmonic. After graduating from high school in 1998, Matt attended the University of Arkansas, on a full tuition band scholarship, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor's in Instrumental Music Education. While at the U of A, he studied with Kabin Thomas, Russell Pettitt, and Dr. Benjamin Pierce, and was a member of the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Basketball Band, Wind Symphony, University Symphony Orchestra, U of A Tuba Ensemble, and the Pedal Tones Tuba/Euphonium Quintet . Matt was also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (the men's music fraternity), the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA), and the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society.

Matt then attended the University of Kansas, and in the spring of 2006 graduated with a Master's Degree, with honors, in Tuba Performance. While at KU, he studied tuba with Scott Watson, KU's professor of Tuba and Euphonium, and performed with the KU Wind Ensemble, the KU Symphony Orchestra, the Forzato Tuba Quartet, and the KU Brass Quintet. In the summer of 2005, Matt went to the People's Republic of China, on a 2 week tour with the KU Wind Ensemble. He also can be heard on the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble's recording, 'Redline Tango', produced by Naxos.

Since 2007, Matt has been the head director of bands at Pea Ridge High School in Pea Ridge, AR., where he teaches the high school band, jazz band, and AP music theory. He also assists with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands.