Matthew Garcia

Matthew Garcia is a saxophonist, composer, and educator currently based in New York City, and a master’s student at the Juilliard School.

Originally from Texas, Matthew was recognized early for his musical talent, earning top honors including two TMEA All-State Jazz Band selections (2020, 2021), the Adam Larson “Little Leaps” Saxophone Competition Winner (2021), and outstanding soloist awards from the Mark of Excellence and the Chet Baker Annual Jazz Festival. He was also a two-time member of Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra, NYO Jazz (2020, 2021).

He earned his undergraduate degree from New York University, where he studied with Dave Pietro, Manuel Valera, Rich Perry, Dezron Douglas, Martin Wind, Ron McClure,  and Lenny White. In 2022, he was named a National YoungArts Finalist in Jazz and was selected for the JAS Academy Big Band, led by Christian McBride. That same year, his ensemble won the NYU Combo Competition, leading to a performance and education tour across Costa Rica.

Deeply rooted in the jazz tradition and the blues, Matthew approaches his work as both a preservationist and innovator. His artistic vision is grounded in honoring the lineage of the music while translating it in a 21st-century context—bridging generations through sound, time, and swing.

He has performed as both a leader and sideman at iconic venues including the Village Vanguard, Carnegie Hall, Small Jazz Club, Blue Note, Williamsburg Music Center, Soapbox Gallery, and Birdland Jazz Club. He has performed with artists such as Sean Jones, Ron McClure, Melissa Aldana, Jason Moran, Martin Wind, Rich Perry, Marcus Miller (saxophone), Steve Johns, Scott Robinson, Helen Sung, and Christian McBride.

Now at Juilliard, Matthew continues to refine his voice as a performer and composer—remaining, above all, a student of the music.

Awards

● 3x TMEA AllRegion Jazz Band (2018, 2019, 2020)

● 2x TMEA All-State Jazz Band (2020, 2021)

● Mark of Excellence Outstanding Soloist (2020)

● AdamLarson“Little Leaps” Saxophone Competition Winner (2021)

● 2x Carnegie Hall National Youth Orchestra Jazz Member (2020, 2021)

● National Young Arts Finalist in Jazz (2022)

● JAS Academy Big Band Selection (2022)

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