Matt Roberts Music

Freelance

I love being a freelance trumpet player. There’s nothing better!

My Philosophy

I’ve never wanted to limit my playing life to a single genre nor do I believe that you are either a Classical OR Jazz musician. In my opinion they both have a symbiotic property within a musicians playing. Being classically trained has given me a rock solid technique and given me a disciplined approach to playing whereas my jazz has given me my imagination, feeling and understanding of musical progresses.

I was always taught to have a few irons in the fire. Having various aspects in my career allows me flexibility and stability. Playing, teaching, recording and arranging music ensures I never get bored or complacent and makes sure I’m always trying to better myself as a musician.

My First Years (07-08)

I have been very fortunate in the experiences I’ve had up to this point - See My Biography - and now that my career is underway I can only hope that I’ll get some more. I’ve made it through my first year as a professional freelance trumpeter although I don’t think I’m over the hump yet.My next real test will be to see if I can last a year in London whilst keeping my work going, a roof over my head and my mind. But at least if my I do lose my mind out there it should make for interesting reading in my blog.

Shows

I’ve been playing in pits since I was 13 and racked up a great deal of show experience.

Westside Story, My Fair Lady, Kismet, Student Prince, Dancing Years, Carousel, Perchance to Dream, Gay is the Word, Call me Madam, Calamity Jane, Kings Rhapsody, Le Cage Aux Folles, Chess, Les Miserables, Princess Ida, Oklahoma, High Society, Copa Cobana, Ain’t Misbehavin’, South Pacific, Mack and Mabel, Jesus Christ Superstar, Half a Sixth Pense, Three Penny Opera. and lead trumpet in The Liverpool Institution For Performing Arts production of My Favourite Year.

I’ve also managed to gain experience on the professional show circuit in both touring shows and the Westend. Sitting in on the national tour of Doctor Dolittle and going back stage into the pit in the Westends Wicked where valuable experiences.

Tours

I am currently working and touring with And Finally… a signed band who recreate the atmosphere of Phil Collins final tour, playing at over 20 British venues this year.

At Christmas the Eurobusk Tours reminded me music isn’t all work, it’s a hell of a laugh as we play in cities all over Europe.

Studio Recording

I’m fortunate enough to have a fair deal of experience playing in recording studios all over the country (including Abbey Road).  It’s a lot of fun and I’m always on the look out to expand this part of my career.

Being a professional trumpet player is sometimes tough . . . but it’s grteat fun!