ABOUT

Originally a drummer and percussionist, Matt Tabor began pursuing piano at age 18 after meeting pianist Darrell Grant while attending Portland State University.

After graduating, Matt made a name for himself in the Portland jazz scene leading his own Matt Tabor Trio and playing as a sideman with a host of local and national acts including Kamasi Washington, Jackie Ryan, Devin Phillips, Chance Hayden and Tony Starlight. 

​

In addition to performing, Matt has worked extensively as a clinician with numerous educational organizations  including the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Vibe of Portland, PHAME, Milwaukie High School (Oregon) and Blue Springs High School (Missouri).

Matt has also had the opportunity to work extensively in the theater world serving as musical director and composer for a number of projects with acclaimed director Kevin Jones' Red Door Project and collaborating with his father, Christopher Tabor, on the Portland Area Musical Theater Award-winning musical, Recognition. 

​

In 2019 Matt received a graduate teaching assistantship at Portland State where he began work on a Masters in Music. During his studies, Matt obtained full licensure in Body Mapping, a field derived from Alexander Technique that helps musicians improve posture and prevent injury. In 2021 Matt graduated summa cum laude with a Masters in Jazz Studies with a focus on Musicians' Wellness.

Matt currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri and teaches online via Noah Kellman's Neo Jazz Academy.