Matt Savage

Matt Savage is an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader recognized for his contributions to contemporary jazz. Diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, a form of autism, at age 3, Savage initially disliked noises and music during early childhood. However, by age 6, he taught himself to read piano music. After less than a year of classical piano study, he discovered jazz, which became his primary focus. Among Savage's abilities are hyperlexia and perfect pitch, and he has no formal instruction in musical composition, yet he has produced a significant body of original jazz works.

At age 8, Savage played piano for Dave Brubeck and participated in a sound session with Chick Corea. The following year, he was invited to jam with McCoy Tyner. By age 11, he debuted at the Blue Note in Manhattan and was signed as a Bösendorfer piano artist. The next year, he performed at Birdland with Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, and Jon Faddis. Savage is among fewer than 100 people worldwide identified as prodigious savants. His early achievements led to international performances, including appearances for heads of state and on television and radio programs such as "Late Show with David Letterman," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Today Show," and "All Things Considered."

Savage has performed with leading jazz musicians, including Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O'Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi, and Donny McCaslin. He has also opened for rock artists Neil Young and Stephen Stills and performed with Steve Earle, Jackson Browne, Shawn Colvin, and Al Stewart. Savage has recorded 15 albums and EPs as a leader. As a composer, he wrote and recorded the score for the jazz documentary film "Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story." He has received recognition through ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards and the International Songwriting Competition.

Savage earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Piano) from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music in Jazz Performance (Piano) from Manhattan School of Music. His album "The Whole Package!" is his first acoustic jazz quartet record in a decade and features an ambitious collection of original compositions. Savage serves as music director and pianist for The Platters and has toured nationally with the group. In addition to performing, Savage is an adjunct professor at Longy School of Music of Bard College and Bunker Hill Community College. He also conducts masterclasses and workshops in English and Spanish, contributing to jazz education and mentoring emerging musicians. Savage's journey from a child sensitive to sound to a world-touring jazz artist and educator highlights his enduring impact on the jazz community.