Matthew Routley is Principal BBb Bass with the Black Dyke Band. Born in Tredegar in South Wales, he spent his childhood in Abergavenny, where his first taste of music came when he started taking piano lessons at the age of seven. When he was ten his teacher recommended that Matthew should try another instrument, so he went along to Abergavenny Borough Band and was given a baritone to play on.

Schooled at King Henry VIII Comprehensive School in Abergavenny, he received excellent tuition there from Alun F. Williams (former Head of Gwent Music Support Service). He also received guidance and benefited from the experience of Eric Powell at Abergavenny Borough Band (whom Eric conducted for over 40 years). He moved from baritone onto Eb Bass when he was 13 and then onto Bb Bass when he was 15.

Mathew has been a member of many bands including the Gwent Youth Brass Band, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. He studied music at Huddersfield University, where the late Stuart Roebuck, former tuba player with the Hallé, taught him. Whilst at Huddersfield, Matthew joined Sellers Engineering Band and had three happy years there, before joining Yorkshire Building Society Band in November 1994.

In June 1995 Matthew was invited to join the Black Dyke Mills Band. In his 25 years of playing with Black Dyke there have been many highlights. On the contest front winning two doubles (1995 & 2014) and winning two triples (2004/5 & 2014/15) stand out. On the concert front the highlight would be the privilege of being able to perform in some of the most fantastic concert halls in the world, like Sydney Opera House, Toyko Metropolitan Hall and the KKL in Lucerne.

Matthew relishes the opportunity to put something back into youth music. He is involved in several projects with aspiring youngsters from all over the country. He is currently the Tuba Tutor with the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, and makes his debut with the Brass Band Summer School this year (2026).

In his professional life Matthew teaches Music and Performing Arts at The Sixth Form, Bolton. When not at work or band, Matthew enjoys socialising and spending time with his family.