MATTHEW NEFF

Anonymously Endowed

Matthew Neff is a native of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and a 1992 graduate of Penn State University, where he studied music education. He received his master’s degree in bass trombone performance from Catholic University of America in 2003.

Prior to winning the position as bass trombonist in the North Carolina Symphony, Neff was a Master Chief Musician in the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., performing bass trombone in the Commodores jazz ensemble (2009-2019), Brass Quintet (2003-2009), and the Concert/Ceremonial Band (1992-2009). During his years in Washington, he had an extensive freelance career and performed with symphonies across the mid-Atlantic states.

An advocate for music education, Neff is active in North Carolina Symphony’s Music Discovery Program. He has conducted master classes and clinics throughout the country and served as Adjunct Professor of Trombone at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia (2003-2019).

He lives in Raleigh with his wife Tricia and George the Bulldog, where they enjoy many visits from their four daughters.