The lasting legacy left by a talented jazz musician

Matthew Densfield began his BA Hons degree in Modern Jazz at Leeds College of Music in September 2016 and was looking forward to becoming a professional musician and composer.

On March 21 last year, he had a fifth heart operation, just three days after he had celebrated his birthday at the Manchester Royal Infirmary surrounded by his flatmates from Leeds.

There were complications and he died seven days later.

The former Haslingden High School student, who would have been 21 on Sunday [March 18], had DiGeorge Syndrome and will be remembered at a celebration concert at the Sixth Form Centre on April 14 at 7.30pm.

DiGeorge syndrome is a condition present from birth that can cause a range of lifelong problems, including heart defects and learning difficulties.

The severity of the condition varies. Some children can be severely ill and very occasionally may die from it, but many others may grow up without realising they have it.

The concert will raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides accommodation for families whose relatives are in hospital.

Since his passing, his family, friends and musicians have raised £5,674, which has funded a room at the Ronald McDonald house at the hospital. The door has a plaque bearing Matthew’s name with a picture of a drum and drumsticks.

And in the reception of Leeds College of Music there is a plaque remembering Matthew, which describes him as an ‘inspiration to others’.

Trophies in his name are now presented at Rochdale Festival of Performing Arts for ‘best percussionist’ and at his former school for ‘contribution to the music department’.

These lasting tributes are a great source of comfort for his parents David and Susan and sister Holly, 17, of Cherry Tree Way, Helmshore.

Susan said: “We have had a lot of support from family and friends who have been with us throughout his life.

“At his funeral at St Thomas’ Church in Helmshore, 380 people came, there was standing room only and people were outside the building.

“Having these legacies keeps Matthew’s memory alive for us and has helped us to cope with what has happened. He was always such a positive and inspirational person.”

Matthew had his first heart operation at 10 days old, another at 18 months, a further operation aged 11 and when he was 16 he had an adult size mechanical aortic valve fitted.

At 14, he passed with distinction his Grade 8 practical music exam and he won a Robert Lewin Scholarship, which paid for professional drumming lessons from Dave Hassell at the Royal Northern College of Music.

After GCSEs, he went on to the school Sixth Form to study A-level and BTEC Music as well as IT and stayed on for an extra year to complete his Grade 5 Music theory and English GCSE.

Susan said: “His dad is a drummer and Matthew had his first go at playing the drums at 18 months and his own proper drum kit at three. He played his first gig aged four when he played ‘Sex Bomb’ and ‘Smooth’ at the DiGeorge Conference in Northampton.

“He was so proud to get a place at Leeds and even played at The Sela Bar on Freshers’ Week.

“He had modern jazz drumsticks imported from America because they were the best for playing his style of music.”

The syndrome affected Matthew’s ability to learn in a variety of ways, but Susan praised the help he received from the Learning Support Unit at Haslingden High School.

An Inspirational garden, which will be outside the Learning Support Unit, is being created at Easter featuring a piano path, a bench with a stave, notes and treble clef, a bass drum birdbath and other instruments made into garden furniture.

Susan added: “Matthew’s memory will hopefully inspire others to achieve.”