EDUCATION & BACKGROUND
Living in Los Angeles from 1996-2010, Matt was on the short-list of recommended teachers at the legendary Hollywood Professional Drum Shop. He also held ongoing teaching appointments at The Culver City Arts Academy and the Beverly Hills High School Music Department.
Past students have earned placements in California All State Honors Jazz Bands & Orchestras while others received music scholarships to attend USC, Cal State Northridge, and Cal State Long Beach. Out of five past students who attended Hollywood's School of Rock Academy, all five placed in the "All-Star" bands within their first year.
Students receive the accumulation of lessons passed down from Matt’s former teachers:
- Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, Melissa Etheridge)
- Jake Hannah (Woody Herman, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby)
- Joel Spencer (Head of Jazz Studies, Northwestern U., Chicago)
- Ed Soph (University of North Texas, Woody Herman)
- Mark Walker (Berklee College of Music)
Growing up, Matt spent his summers studying jazz at The Birch Creek Music Academy in Door County, Wisconson with Chicago drummer, Mark Walker, who now teaches drum set at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After winning the Illinois All-State Drum Set Competition in 1988, he left high school with a percussion scholarship to attend the highly acclaimed University of North Texas.
Currently living in Nashville, TN, Matt is a Bosphorus Cymbals endorsing artist/educator, he records and performs with various artists, and has published several articles for Modern Drummer Magazine.
TEACHING ENVIRONMENT
Lessons are held at Matt's home studio in Nashville; a 14'x20' acoustically treated and sound isolated room designed for recording live drums.
In addition to core fundamentals and individualized lesson plans, ongoing students learn how to record live drums and receive hands-on guidance with software and recording equipment.
There is no "student drum set." All lessons are taught on top-of-the-line professional equipment.