Matthew Chiasson
"MATT CHIASSON HAS THE SPIRIT OF MUSIC, BOTH AS A CREATIVE SAX PLAYER AND COMPOSER AS WELL AS BEING A TEAM PLAYER IN A MORE STUDIO-BAND SITUATION. THESE TWO SIDES, CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL MAKE MATT A MAN TO BE CALLED."
-Steve Slagle
saxist, composer,
grammy award winner
steveslagle.com
Originally from Highland, NY, multi-instrumentalist Matthew Chiasson developed at an early age a love for music. Matt's professional career began shortly after moving to NYC to attend high school at the LaGuardia School of Performing Arts. While still attending high school, Matt played at a number of venues on saxophone including the Copa Cabana, Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center, and S.O.B.'s with musicians double and triple his age. The distinctions of many influential teachers, including Steve Slagle and Ted Rosenthal, can still be heard in his playing on both saxophones and piano.
Matt then chose the Manhattan School of Music to further his musical education where he studied with numerous noted musicians including Dick Oatts, Pdt.Samir Chatterjee, John Riley, and Ed Green (film scoring), graduating with honors in 2010.
Matt continues to reside full time in NYC, where he has become a professional part of the vibrant music scene. A few of Matt's noted performances include venues such as the Rainbow Room, Gramercy Ballroom, Manhattan Center, Le Poisson Rouge, Highline Ballroom and Bowery Ballroom, The Friar's Club, as well as a plethora of club dates (on woodwinds and keyboards) at numerous locations, including many internationally.
In addition to his performing, Matt has also begun to get regular work as a Composer and Arranger; often being recruited in particular to add or transcribe horn parts for other bands due to his unique understanding of traditional and modern harmony and how it can be applied to a variety of different genres of music.
When Matt is not writing for others he enjoys writing original big band and saxophone quartet pieces.
Matt has accomplished much in his still young career, but his community grows daily and he continues to learn at every opportunity.