He would sing on family holiday talent competitions and shortly after leaving school joined the first of a few bands. In a short space of time Matt and his band found themselves performing to large audiences and were also a supporting act at the Rosebowl in Hampshire and at a concert at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Matt accumulated a large fan base with each of his bands throughout Hertfordshire and London, and sometimes much further afield. Most notably with ‘The Gaff’ who received a record deal and whose video ‘hey weirdo’ was played on MTV. During the latter months of his life Matt had been working on and recording his solo material with a professional contract.  Matt had a huge talent for writing lyrics and songs, he had a way of making people laugh, gave his attention to all those he met and made a huge impact on the many who adored him. The talent, ambition and courage he showed, left an everlasting impression and impact on the many hundreds of people he met in his life.

What many people didn’t know was that Matt had Cystic Fibrosis. He encouraged, and led example, to all those who suffered with the illness to ‘go after the things you want in life’ and not to let the disease dictate or hold you back. The song ‘I Wish’ (later to become ‘Breathe’) was written by Matt many years ago and was performed at the Cystic Fibrosis awards. Sadly Matt died April 2007 after a three month battle with an infection caused by the disease. For all of these traits and the impressions he made, for the things he was indicative of, and for the many friends and fans he had, this Music Fund has been set up in his memory.

The Fund can provide instruments, lessons, help with college fees, rehearsal space and recording time, etc., to young people who show a high aptitude in playing an instrument and who may otherwise not be able to fund this themselves. The Fund is administered by The Hertfordshire Community Foundation (Registered Charity Number 299438).

The first target amount of £25,000 has been reached and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this.  Grants can only be made from the interest earned each year on the Fund total so we need to carry on fundraising to be able to keep up with demand.  Applications for grants to be made by e mail to Mattscalesmusicfund@hotmail.com.  Please provide as much information as possible to enable the panel to consider the application.  Applications welcome from students, parents, schools, music schools.

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