Matthew Vollbrecht

AT FIRST A SINGER
Nothing less than traumatic was the diagnosis that Matthew would be totally blind by the age of three and would eventually need prosthetic eyes. This horrifying diagnosis, rather than defining him, inspired him to unleash his true potential. Matt was discovered to have an incredible interest and tremendous natural talent for singing and playing the piano. Having “absolute perfect pitch” Matthew began studying piano at age 4 and voice at age 6. In short order, he gained significant notoriety for his uplifting and inspirational performances. The demand for his appearances reached new heights. At the age of 10, he became the youngest recipient of the VSA Arts National Young Soloist Award. He remains to this day the youngest in history to win that award. He went on to represent VSA Arts in several performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as well as at the VSA Arts International Festival in Brussels, Belgium.

Matthew has performed for and shared the stage with many well-known musicians, actors, dignitaries, and political figures such as Al and Tipper Gore, Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, Ted Kennedy, Cal Ripkin, Marvin Hamlisch, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Stone, Hugh Downs, Willard Scott, Lavar Burton, the Vogues, and Felicia Raschad. Additionally, Matthew performed for organizations such as UNICEF for which he was the first National Youth Ambassador, the Children’s Defense Fund, Race for the Cure, and more at such venues as the Washington Monument, the White House, the Jerry Lewis Telethon, and others.
While in high school, Matthew began classical vocal training at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University where he studied for three years and then majored in music education at Elizabethtown College.
Empowering Change through Music, Ministry, and Motivation

NOW A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
Through his own creativity and unique ability, Matthew combined spoken messages with musical performance. This unprecedented combination proved a “hit” – astounding and inspiring all audiences. Matt furthered this ability by studying extensively the art of public speaking, presentation, and logistical strategizing, yet he has often been said to possess a natural flair for captivating and motivating an audience. Matthew officially began motivational speaking in 2006. He has been the motivational speaker for a variety of public school openings, in-service days, high school graduation or baccalaureate ceremonies, youth rallies, government functions, awards dinners, recognition nights, churches, business meetings, round table discussions, conferences, and more, and the message is unique for each. Most times, the events include a powerful message enriched by interactive multimedia presentations, audience participation activities, humor, and music. In 2010, he began offering his motivational speaking services under the name “Blind Faith Ministries.”

AN AUTHOR TOO
Matthew shares many of his life experiences in his first book entitled “Blind Faith”. In 2012, Matthew released his second book entitled, “Titanic – the Most Complete Story Ever Told”. This book was recognized by the Dauphin County Historical Society and has garnered a 4-star rating in the Apple iBooks Store.

MATT THE PASTOR
Matthew’s studies expanded to ministry certification at Global University and Rhema Bible Institute. Matthew was a worship leader, youth leader, choir director, and associate pastor at Living Hope Community Chapel in Elizabethtown and the Everett Assembly of God in his home town. In 2006, Matthew and his wife Jessica founded the New Hope Community Church of Everett which Matthew currently pastors. That year, he cofounded “Rising Star”, a regional singing competition based on the popular television show “American Idol”.

YOU MEAN THERE’S MORE?
Matthew’s drive to continue to learn has resulted in a rarely heard of multiplicity of interests. He has taken or audited many courses and studied extensively a variety of subjects, so that at present, he possesses at least a basic understanding of many topics such as sociology, psychology, the arts, technology, aviation, manned space and ocean travel, marketing, business management, medicine, theater, counseling, and production, just to name a few. When he is not motivating or ministering, Matthew works as assistive technology support liaison and Braille monitor for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. He also works with a neighboring school district, providing musical training to their Drama club.
Matthew currently resides in Everett, PA with his wife Jessica, their son Carson, and their daughter Kylee. His life experiences and the many opportunities afforded him have helped him to gain a unique understanding of diversity, human emotions, and problem solving. No matter what age range, size, background, or purpose of your audience, and regardless the nature of your particular event, he has a message that’s just right for you.