Matthew began playing the trumpet in the Newsome Scouts marching band at the age of seven. After three years on trumpet he was persuaded by his teacher Ray Thompson to try the E-flat Tuba and moved to play with Linthwaite Junior Band. Progressing through the senior band Matthew then took up a position with The Hepworth Band under the baton of Norman Law.

After studying music at Huddersfield University with Andy Duncan, Matthew joined the Army to play with the world famous Coldstream Guards. Matthew studied at The Royal Military School of Music with Patrick Harrild and won the Besson Brass Prize for his year.

During his six years in the Army, Matthew toured the world extensively visiting Japan, Australia, USA, Canada, Gibraltar and many parts of Europe, as well as carrying out ceremonial duties in the UK, which included Trooping the Colour, The Queen's Golden Jubilee, The Queen Mother's Funeral and Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace. After leaving the Army, Matthew decided to have a break from regular band playing in order to concentrate on work and raising his young family.

Matthew returned to regular band playing in 2009 after being asked to play with Grimethorpe Colliery Band, an opportunity that could not be turned down. He now plays the B-flat tuba (a promotion from the E-flat) and sits next to his old Army mate Phil Blake-Convey better known as Swede. Matthew is married with two children and lives in Holmfirth.