Matt Murphy

BIOGRAPHY

Matt Murphy is the embodiment of the all-American percussionist—his grooves cut across genres with authority, authenticity, and a deep understanding of music. For Matt, drumming isn’t just something he does; it’s part of who he is.

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. He is also an international clinician and educator on the education teams for Drum Workshop, SABIAN, and Vic Firth, sharing his knowledge with students and professionals alike.

Matt’s journey began at Western Illinois University, performing with the Grammy-Nominated Jazz Studio Orchestra. From 1994 to 1997, he toured nationally with The Steel Bandits, playing sold-out venues from the Sunset Strip to the 1996 Olympic Games, and later performing across Europe and the U.S.

From 1997 to 2002, Matt served as Musical Director for Norwegian Cruise Line, leading bands, managing departments, and performing in the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and the Hawaiian Islands.

In 2002, 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 Warner Bros. series Gilmore Girls.

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

In 2020, Matt released A Drummer’s Guide to Afro-Caribbean & South American Grooves, an educational tutor that has been praised by performers, authors, and educators throughout the percussion world.

As an educator, Matt has shaped the next generation of drummers for decades—teaching starting in 2005 at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Alexander Dawson School (2005–2022), The Warehouse School (2020–2022), and the Nasri School for Gifted Children. His approach adapts to each student’s unique learning style, guiding them to develop their own voice rather than simply replicate his. "....Like Water, My Friend".

In 2025, Matt launched an online membership platform, offering lessons for all levels—from beginner to advanced—covering grooves, rudiments, styles, theory, and more.

In 2026, he continues to perform with his band, State of Mind, and collaborates with longtime friends and colleagues to bring music to life in a variety of settings.

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

State of Mind