Matt Dendy

Born in Indianapolis, IN, Matt Dendy began playing the violin at the age of 3 years old.  After moving to Sarasota, FL with his family in 1993, Matt enrolled in the Florida West Coast Symphony’s Youth Orchestra Program.  He later attended Booker High School where he graduated from the Visual Performing Arts program.  Matt was awarded a full scholarship to attend the University of South Florida where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in music performance.  He was then awarded an assistantship at the University of Colorado for graduate studies In violin performance.  

Throughout his collegiate years, Matt performed in national and international music festivals and also toured Florida with prominent artists like Johnny Mathis, Mannheim Steamroller, Celtic Woman, and The Irish Tenors.  Upon the completion of his graduate studies, Matt returned to Sarasota where he performed multiple seasons with The Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Venice Symphony.  He also held the position of principal violinist with the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota for four consecutive seasons.  

Up until this point in his career, Matt had mostly performed Classical music.  He met some local artists in the Sarasota area who performed a one man show at various restaurants and hotels and realized his potential with the violin.  He decided to purchase his first electric violin, a loop station, an effects pedal board, and a PA speaker and, within a week, obtained his first weekly gig at a local restaurant.  Matt decided to leave the orchestral world behind to pursue a career as a solo violinist.  In 2019 alone, Matt performed over 300 gigs throughout the state of Florida.  He can be found playing in a variety of restaurants, hotels, private clubs, weddings, private events, and corporate functions.  His music is sure to enhance any style of event.