Matthew Short was born and raised in Palmdale, California, and started playing the saxophone when he was ten years old. Growing up, Matt drew inspiration from listening to his father (a former studio guitarist) play jazz standards, and watching his uncle play bass on television shows and movie soundtracks. Matt has studied saxophone with Rodney Zuroeveste, Lee Matalon, and Sandon Mayhew. In addition, he has studied jazz improvisation with Dr. Alex Noppe and Chuck Smith, as well as flute with Dr. Nicole Molumby. Matt has performed with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, as well as many jazz and classical groups around the Boise and Antelope Valley area. He has shared the stage with musicians such as Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, and Wycliffe Gordon. In addition, he was chosen as a winner of the 2012 Boise State Concerto-Aria competition. He has had the opportunity to play at venues such as the Egyptian Theater in Boise, the House of Blues in Hollywood, Citywalk at Universal Studios, Disneyland, and the Tournament of Roses Parade. While unsure of his plans after college, Matt intends to continue to stay involved in music.