Matt Murphy

BIOGRAPHY

Matt Murphy is the embodiment of the all-American percussionist—his grooves cut across all musical styles with authority and authenticity.

A proud artist for Drum Workshop Drums and Hardware, SABIAN Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and Brushes, X Percussion, 64 Audio In-Ear Monitors, Audix Microphones, Humes and Berg, Gruv Gear, Prologix, Cympad International, and Big Fat Snare Drum, Matt brings passion and precision to every product he endorses. Matt is also a respected international clinician and educator on the education teams for Drum Workshop, SABIAN, and Vic Firth. For Matt, music isn't just what he does—it’s who he is.

With nearly 40 years dedicated to perfecting his craft, Matt’s journey began at Western Illinois University, where he performed with the Grammy-nominated Jazz Studio Orchestra. From 1994 to 1997, he toured nationally with The Steel Bandits, playing to sold-out venues from the Sunset Strip to the 1996 Olympic Games, and later across Europe and the U.S..

From 1997 to 2002, Matt served as Musical Director for Norwegian Cruise Line, where he led bands, managed departments, and performed across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and the Hawaiian Islands.

Hollywood came calling in 2002, and Matt brought his expertise to television—appearing on-camera as a sideline musician and working behind the scenes as a Music Consultant for the MTV reboot of The Partridge Family and the hit Warner Bros. series Gilmore Girls.

Now based in Las Vegas, Matt performs regularly as a bandleader, sideman, and consultant, lighting up stages at premier venues including the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Waldorf Astoria, Venetian, and Mandarin Oriental. His theatrical credits include acclaimed productions like Smokey Joe’s Café, TOMMY, Hair, RENT, and In the Heights.

In 2020, Matt released his long-awaited educational book, A Drummer’s Guide to Afro-Caribbean & South American Grooves, which received high praise from respected authors, performers, and educators throughout the percussion world.

As an educator, Matt has shaped the next generation of drummers for decades—teaching at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Alexander Dawson School (2005–2022), The Warehouse School (2020–2022), and percussion at the Nasri School for Gifted Children, these posts he considers a true honor.

2025 marks a banner year: while continuing to teach a full roster of students, Matt is launching an online membership platform offering lessons for all levels—from beginner to advanced—covering grooves, rudiments, styles, theory, and more.

And of course, he’s still laying it down with his band and longtime friends in State of Mind.

Theater Productions

In The Heights

RENT

Tommy

HAIR

Pirates of Penzance

Smokey Joe's Cafe

Rocky Horror Picture Show

West Side Story

Guys and Dolls

Musical Ensembles