Baldwin graduated summa cum laude as a member of the Honors College from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where he earned his Master's in Jazz Studies and his Bachelor's in Jazz Performance. Throughout the years, he has had the privilege of studying with music mentors Bobby Watson (UMKC Co-Chair of Jazz Studies), Dan Thomas (UMKC Co-Chair of Jazz Studies), Matt Otto (KU Professor of Saxophone), Hugh Jones (High School Band Director in St. Louis), John Brewer (New Orleans Musician/Worship Pastor in Kansas City), and James Ward (Gospel Musician/Worship Pastor in Chattanooga).
As a performer, Baldwin captivates audiences with his lively playing on all saxophones and other woodwind instruments. In addition to leading the Matt Baldwin Saxophone Quartet, Baldwin Soul Septet, and co-leading the Westport Jazz Orchestra, he has performed with numerous Kansas City ensembles including the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the New Jazz Order Big Band, the 627 Foundation Big Band, Boogaloo 7, the Chris Hazelton Quartet, the Diles Mavis Group, and Julian Vaughn. Besides performing at jazz venues, festivals, and weddings, he has been the Reed 1 player for musical theater shows at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the New Theatre Restaurant, Quality Hill Playhouse, and Musical Theater Heritage. Among others, Baldwin has shared the stage with the New York Voices, the Four Tops, and Michael Feinstein.