Matt Officially sponsored by Yamaha Piano

That's Matt's news today!

Anyone dug out the details of this? It sounds potentially exciting! Maybe it'll make touring easier for Matt?

Matt will be on this: http://www.yamaha.com/artists/pianos/contemporary.html?CTID=5070210 WOW!!

Yay for Matt! That's a pretty esteemed group. I assume it gives him money, at the very least, and some visibility. I hope they put a great big beautiful picture of Matt as one of the featured bios. Maybe he'll start using Yamaha pianos exclusively at his concerts. Let's see!

I listened to that stupid Fox station for an hour early this AM before work, but he would have to make an announcement while I was busy! If video of the interview surfaces, please post.

Also cool that Matt will be on AI. I assumed that he and Danny would show up for 10 seconds or so as part of the coverage of the Milwaukee auditions. I hope this is something better.

Yes, I think Matt's referring to the Milwaukee auditions. Hoping they give him screen time!

The Yamaha deal doesn't pay the artist but it looks like it may be helpful for budding artists in getting their careers going (if they know how to take advantage of it). "We offer sound advice and solid referrals, but it is incumbent on the artists to define and propel his or her own career." from http://www.yamaha.com/artists/relations.html?CTID=5070090. In any case, Matt really belongs to that elite roster of musicians. I'm so glad he's on there before any other Idol talent, for example.

Thanks for that link! I am impressed because the roster of artists is small and very esteemed. It sounds like he'll mostly get promotion from Yamaha, free pianos at home, and pianos for his performances in the US. It also sounds like he could get called on for Yamaha promotions and events, and for that he would get paid. I'm not sure I believe he'll get a lot of career advice or connections from this, but it certainly can't hurt.

When you step back and realize he started playing piano only about 6 years ago and is self taught, this is really amazing.

It is amazing! Matt's being proactive and making things happen! He's not gonna wait for a major label to do all the work for him. He's doing it all. We have to be so proud of him!!! The endorsement is worldwide. Should Matt ever tour outside the U.S., he has Yamaha's support as well. This definitely gives Matt credibility and sets him apart from the rest. We've always known he's in a different class, right??

I'm being very selfish, but other Idols better not dare try to get this endorsement.

That is exciting news for Matt!

That is good news.. Hopefully they can help him get his EP out to everyone and maybe do some sort of tour.