Meet Matt Finders

Matt is a bassist, composer/arranger and educator living in Livermore, CA. He spent 17 years as a member of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno Band (on trombone). On the Tonight Show, Matt wrote over 400 arrangements for the band, also as a trombonist, he performed with Benny Goodman, the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, Clark Terry Big Bad Band, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Harry Connick, Jr., among many others. During that period, Matt started his Jazz Labb programs to keep his students playing during the summer. Matt continues to write for the Jazz Labb groups each session.

Besides local instruction, Matt works as a guest clinician/adjudicator. Recent venues include San Ramon Valley, Campana, and Reno Jazz Festivals. Matt continues his musical passion with live performances throughout the San Francisco Bay area. You can find his upcoming performances on our Event Calendar page - Click Here to view

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • Director of Jazz Band, East Avenue Middle School, 2014-present

  • Director of Combo program, Hart Middle School, 2014-present

  • Director of Combo program, Amador High School, 2015-2016

  • Director of Jazz Band, Mendenhall Middle School, Livermore, 2013-present

  • Director of Combo program, Calabasas High School, 2010-2013

  • Director of Combo program, Westlake High School, 2009-2011

  • Director of Jazz B big band, A and B combos, Lindero Canyon M.S., 1999-2013

  • Director of Jazz Labb camps, 2004-present

  • Private trombone, tuba and jazz improvisation students, 1992-present

PERFORMANCE - New York

  • Benny Goodman Big Band, 1985-86

  • Bob Mintzer Big Band, 1987-1992

  • Mel Lewis Big Band, 1983-1989

  • Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, 1983-1992

  • Buck Clayton Big Band, 1988-1992

  • Natalie Cole, 1991

  • Harry Connick Jr. 1990

  • Marian and Jimmy McPartland, 1989-90

  • Clark Terry Big Bad Band, 1981

  • Blood, Sweat and Tears, 1987

  • Broadway: Cats, My One And Only, The Tap Dance Kid, Starlight Express, Secret Garden, Rags, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Grand Hotel

PERFORMANCE - Los Angeles

  • The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Band, 1992-2009

  • The Matt Finders Octet, 2005-2013 (leader)

  • Re-Birth of the Cool Band, 2009-2010 (leader)

  • Bill Holman Big Band, 2007-2010

  • Woody Herman Big Band, 2008-2010

  • Count Basie Orchestra, 2008

  • Jack Sheldon Big Band, 2003-2008

  • Bill Cunliffe Sextet, 2000-2010

  • Michael Bublé, 2000

  • Pancho Sanchez, 1996