[1] He studied guitar privately for three years[citation needed] before enrolling in the National Conservatory of Music.

The next year he was appointed the Phoenix ensemble's music director, holding that position through the 1977–78 season.

He was also appointed principal conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and was about to take up this post in January 1995 when he was killed.

On the morning of 4 January 1995, Mata and a passenger were en route from Cuernavaca, Morelos, to Dallas, Texas.

One engine failed shortly after takeoff, and the plane crashed during an emergency landing attempt.