Matthew Lawson is a trumpeter, educator, composer, and arranger whose musical career began in the United States Navy Band. During his military service, he toured extensively throughout the Pacific and Asia. After leaving the Navy, he returned to New England, where he performed with blues bands before turning his focus increasingly toward jazz.
In 2001, Matt moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to study in the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program at the University of Louisville. During his time in Louisville, he performed with a wide range of distinguished artists, including Jimmy Heath, Phil Woods, Marcus Printup, Delfeayo Marsalis, Harry Pickens, Steve Allee, and Tyrone Wheeler, as well as the legendary Temptations. In 2004, he won the jazz division of the National Trumpet Competition, and the following year recorded his debut album, Midnight in Merizo, for the Jazz Factory label.
After earning his degree in jazz studies, Matt expanded his work as an educator, completing a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University. He subsequently spent 15 years teaching public-school history in Maine while remaining active as a performer, composer, arranger, and private instructor.
Following a stem cell transplant for treatment of recurrent lymphoma in 2025, Matt made the decision to return to music full time. He currently serves on the faculty of Colby College, teaching applied trumpet, and he performs, teaches, composes, and arranges throughout Maine.
