Max Matzen, trumpet
Noted for his “fine reflective playing” (Ferdinand Maylin, Jazznow.com), Max Matzen is quietly emerging as one of America’s dominant young trumpet artists. At the age of 26, Mr.Matzen has already performed literally all around the globe, with internationally renowned artists. He is equally proficient in both jazz and classical genres, and is an active recitalist and recording artist.
Mr.Matzen has tallied performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and festivals. Some of his most notable performances include his Carnegie Hall debut with the Eastman Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mark Scatterday in February of 2005. During the summer of 2004, he appeared at the famed North Sea, Vienne, and Montreaux jazz festivals with the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble 1. He has performed and given masterclasses at the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) conferences in Toronto, New York City, and New Orleans. Mr.Matzen also holds performances at the famed Midwest Clinic, An International Band & Orchestra Conference.
Mr.Matzen has made numerous appearances with various orchestras and performing artists throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. He is a frequent performer with the Jacksonville Symphony, as well as the Rochester Philharmonic. A few of the notable jazz artists he has performed with include Terence Blanchard, Benny Green, Slide Hampton, Antonio Hart, The Heath Brothers, Conrad Herwig, Pat Martino, Bob Mintzer, James Moody, Eddie Palmieri, Maria Schneider, Ira Sullivan, and the legendary Clark Terry.
In May of 2006, Mr.Matzen completed his master’s degree at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with James Thompson and Doug Prosser. He holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from the University of North Florida, where he studied under the tutelage of legendary jazz saxophonist Bunky Green, Dr. Keith Javors, and Dr. Bill Prince. In May of 2009, Mr.Matzen will complete his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the Eastman School of Music, where he studies with renown trumpet performer and brass pedagogue James Thompson.
Both he and his wife, pianist Mayumi Matzen, currently reside in Rochester, NY.
[August, 2007]