Matthew Welling - musician

One might say music – and the power that so often comes with it - inspired Matthew Welling practically right out of the womb. During the first two years of his life, the now thirteen year old had two bone marrow transplants to treat a rare genetic disorder that left him legally blind. During the numerous hospitalizations, his parents played a soundtrack heavy on Bob Marley to help provide some comfort and essentially nurse him back to health. Those proverbial three little birds and other reggae tunes not only inspired him, it served as the driving force behind music he’s now creating to inspire others.

 

To put it mildly, Matthew is now a pint-sized rock star. He’s arguably the most sought after performer in Westchester south of twelve. His story has garnered national media attention, he counts Ziggy Marley among his friends (he met via the “Make a Wish Foundation”), he's released a CD of originals and covers, and has played gigs that adults would have on their bucket list for decades. To name a few of those, he represented “Make a Wish” at “The Garden of Dreams Talent Show” at Radio City Music Hall. Other “pinch me” moments have included opening up for The Rockettes at the legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and a performance of original material during a New York Knicks half-time show at Madison Square Garden.  

 

As gigs continue to pour in, Matthew’s kept a level head by constantly honing his craft with his teachers at the Music Therapy Institute in White Plains, which he started at the age of four. There, his Music Therapists and now bandmates James Maxson and Donald Stevens have fostered his love of music. Matthew now writes his own songs, plays numerous instruments, and arranges music – his own and others.  As Bob Marley once said, “you never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”