About Matt Incontro

Matt Incontro is a saxophonist from Amherst, NY who recently graduated from the Eastman School of Music. Coming from a musical family, Matt started playing at a young age, developing an interest in jazz music during his time at Amherst Central High School. Over the years Matt has studied with local musicians including Ken Kuriscak, Russ Carere, and his parents Pam and Craig Incontro. During his time at Eastman Matt had the opportunity to study with many professors including Charles Pillow, Jeff Campbell, Rich Thompson, and Bill Dobbins, as well as guest artists including Kirsten Edkins, Danilo Perez, and Dave Liebman. In 2020, Matt performed with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble in the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship at Jazz at Lincoln Center and was awarded best soprano saxophone soloist by Wynton Marsalis. In 2021, Matt worked with Christian McBride and Frost School of Music Faculty at the JAS Academy Big Band Session in Aspen, Colorado alongside top young jazz musicians across the country.

Teaching has been an important part of Matt's musical journey. His teachers lifted him to the position he is in today, so he understands the importance of teaching. Matt has been teaching students, friends, and colleagues since a young age and continues to teach at Music and Arts. Matt also seeks to pursue a master's degree in music education in the coming fall.

Outside of music, Matt enjoys playing video games and board games with his friends and family, with stategy and Nintendo games being some of his favorites. He has two puppies at home, a black lab named Penny and a beagle named Ralphie. He was also in Boy Scouts when he was younger, though he dropped out as music took up more of his time in high school.