Matthew Routley was born in Tredegar, South Wales, and grew up in Abergavenny, where he began his musical journey at the age of seven on piano, before moving to brass and finding his home on tuba by age 15. He received early guidance from Alun F. Williams and Eric Powell, and went on to play with the Gwent Youth Brass Band, National Youth Brass Band of Wales, and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. 

Matthew studied music at Huddersfield University, learning under Stuart Roebuck, and began his banding career with Sellers Engineering Band before joining the Yorkshire Building Society Band in 1994. In 1995, he joined the Black Dyke Band, where he has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over 25 years. Major highlights include winning multiple national “double” and “triple” championship titles, and performing in world-class venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Metropolitan Hall, and KKL Lucerne. 

Deeply committed to youth music, Matthew is Tuba Tutor for the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, as well as the Yorkshire and Gwent Youth Brass Bands. Alongside his musical commitments, he teaches Music and Performing Arts at The Sixth Form, Bolton, and enjoys family life and socialising in his free time.