Matthew Howatt’s playing is praised for its rich tone and clarity of phrase. He began his studies in Edmonton with Diane Persson before graduating from the University of British Columbia under the tutelage of Jesse Read. Other teachers include Christopher Millard, Ivor Rothwell, and Christopher Palmer. He has held the position of acting principal bassoon with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and is principal bassoonist with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra.

He is a performing member of the C’MON Chamber Music Ensemble and the Bass Line Road Ensemble. As a founding member of WindRose Trio he was honoured with an award for “Best Classical Recording” by the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards in recognition of the group’s first CD “Path of Contact.” In 2009 Matthew created the “Edmonton Bassoon Bash” an annual conference for bassoonists that attracts bassoonists from across Alberta for a full day of recitals, chamber music, masterclasses, and seminars.