Matt’s Biography
Matt Keegan is a saxophonist and composer from Sydney, Australia. A project leader of 30 years experience, Keegan has produced and released 8 albums that feature his work as a composer, arranger and soloist. He is the artistic director of the intercultural ensemble The Three Seas (IND/AUS).
As a jazz saxophone soloist Keegan has performed with musicial maestros including: Kurt Elling, Mike Nock, Barney McCall, Phil Slater, James Muller & the Japan Australia Jazz Orchestra. He has played at festivals around the world such as, JazzAhead (GER), Tokyo Jazz Festival (JPN), Edinburgh Fringe Festival (UK), Kochi-Muziris Biennale (IND), Everfine Festival (USA), the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and Womad (AUS).
In the field of contemporary pop & rock music he has performed with artists including: Maroon 5 (USA), Lionel Richie (USA), Ricky Martin, Noel Gallagher (UK), Jimmy Barnes, Passenger (UK), The Beautiful Girls, & Hot Dub Time Machine. Keegan led the horn section on The Voice (AU) from 2012-2018.
Keegan completed a PhD at UNSW under the supervision of Sandy Evans and John Napier in 2022. His creative practice research project examines ways performance techniques can be used to facilitate the embodiment of rhythm for composition and improvisation on the saxophone. A case study in this research is the analysis of the Khamak Rhythm Study. A khamak solo was transcribed and reimagined as an etude for solo saxophone.
“Keegan is a prominent bandleader, a brilliant composer, and a magnificent musician.”
John McBeath
“It’s a singular talent that can produce an effects-augmented take on pop and jazz, funk and blues, waltz and classical melodies all at once, sewing
them together seamlessly …”
Limelight Magazine
My Equiptment
Instruments
Selmer Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone
Short Shank Selmer Soloist mouthpiece “E” with Selmer ligature
Rico Jazz select 3 medium reeds unfiled
Yamaha YS62 Soprano Saxophone
Short Shank Selmer Soloist mouthpiece “H” with Selmer ligature
SML Gold Medal Baritone low A
Selmer soloist “F” with selmer ligature
Noblet Eb Alto Clarinet
King Mouthpiece with Oleg Ligature
Buffet RC Bb clarinet
Microphones
Sax bug mic – PS100
Clari bug mic – Ps 110
Shure BETA 57
AudioTechnica clip on condenser mic
Electronics
TC voice live 2
Maestro sound system for woodwinds
Eventide pitch factor
Cioks AC 10
Lehele 3@1
FMR Really Nice Preamp
Awards
- Recipient of the APRA AMCOS Art Music Fund – 2018
- Winner of The Music Trusts ‘Freedman Jazz Fellowship’ – 2011
Academic Qualifications
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – UNSW – 2022
• Master of Music Performance MMUS – Sydney Conservatorium of Music – 2010
• Bachelor of Music Jazz Studies – Honours Class 1 Sydney Conservatorium of Music – 1998
• UCLA, Student exchange program (USA) – 1998
• Malmo Musikhogskolan (SWE) – 2001 – 2002
Tertiary Teaching Experience
• Sydney Conservatorium of Music (Sydney University) Private Tutor, Jazz – 2023-2024
• Sydney Conservatorium of Music Advanced Jazz Ensemble 2023-2024
• University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Contemplating Jazz, Jazz History – 2021-2022
• UNSW Jazz Composition Ensemble – 2022-2024
• UNSW Intermediate Jazz Ensemble – 2023
• UNSW private tutor – 2009 – 2024