Matthew hails from Carmarthenshire in South Wales and began playing piano at the age of two.Three years later, he started formal lessons with renowned local teacher, Mrs. Olive Rowlands. At nine years old he gave his public debut including works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven and Scott Joplin.

A keen improviser and versatile musician, he studied at Cardiff University having lessons with Mr. Stephen Price, gaining his Honours degree. He went onto study piano at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where he won numerous prizes and scholarships including the Laura Ashley Memorial Award whose family he played for in memory of her name.

Matthew has lived in Stourbridge for five years now and was formerly Pianist in Residence at Old Swinford Hospital where he enjoyed teaching on various different levels and continues this interest at Redland School for Girls, Bristol and once again as piano teacher at OSH. His repertoire is diverse and far reaching and concerto appearances include Saint-Saëns's Carnival of the Animals and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. He has recently performed Elgar's Piano Quintet, op.84 with the Voller String Quartet and enjoys playing frequently for weddings and functions.

As an accompanist, Matthew has also played frequently for ABRSM examinations and enjoys playing with other Chamber music groups having performed Beethoven's Ghost Piano Trio and Violin and Cello Sonatas by esteemed composer, Andrew Downes. Solo appearances and recitals include the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, The Sir Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham and St. David's Hall, Cardiff.

Matthew continues his lessons with Professor Michael Young and plays for you this afternoon a popular programme. He hopes that you will enjoy the performance and that you will think of many well known songs and theme tunes during the interval for him to improvise on later on in the programme.