A 1994 graduate of Roseville Area High School (RAHS), Matt played saxophones in the RAHS bands and jazz ensembles. He began playing alto sax in the 4th grade and played baritone, tenor, and soprano saxes starting in his junior year at RAHS.
Matt also was a member of the RAHS Concert Choir and Barbershoppers. As a graduating senior, he was named the outstanding vocal music student in the class of 1994.
Matt played a baritone sax solo on "Coconut Champagne" with the Roseville Big Band on the June 14, 1994, concert in the Central Park band shell. He also sang "Ain't Misbehavin" in a trio with Keith Miner and Glen Newton. Furthermore, Matt played alto sax as part of an expanded sax section for the concert. Matt also played alto and baritone sax and sang on "Rosie the Riveter" on the Roseville Big Band's July 4, 1994, concert.
Matt planned to major in music education at the University of Minnesota.