Matt Yamada is a South Bay native and Los Angeles-based woodwind musician, educator, and instrument technician specializing in saxophone, clarinet, and flute. His work brings together performance, teaching, and instrument repair, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how musicians develop both artistically and technically.

Matt earned his Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he was a member of the school’s first official undergraduate class following its merger with Berklee. He also completed additional studies in instrument repair, developing a distinctive combination of performance training and hands-on technical knowledge. His education placed conservatory-level performance training alongside a creative and contemporary environment, shaping his versatility across a wide range of musical styles.

As a performer, Matt has appeared at venues including Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, and the James R. Armstrong Theatre, as well as other locations throughout Los Angeles. His performance experience includes work with ensembles and organizations such as the Los Angeles Symphony, Roudaki Orchestra, Boston Contemporary Symphony Orchestra, DARQ Quintet, Fine Winds Quintet, Schwab Academy Orchestra at Ventura College, Tehachapi Symphony, Bel Air Orchestra, Pepperdine University, Boston University, the University of Southern California, and the Silkroad Ensemble. He has also contributed woodwind performances to albums, independent films, operas, and more than 20 musical theatre productions.

As an educator, Matt brings more than a decade of experience teaching saxophone, clarinet, flute, and related woodwinds to students of varied ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. He has taught through private instruction, school music programs, and ensemble settings, allowing him to adapt his approach to the individual needs of each student. Matt emphasizes strong fundamentals, musical confidence, and expressive playing while creating a supportive environment in which students can grow through clarity, discipline, and encouragement.