Bio

BIO:

Matt “Zappa” Perard is a Berklee College of Music alumnus, Assistant Professor, internationally touring drummer, and live streamer. He is known for his versatility across metal, rock, pop, hip-hop, and video game music.

Matt was named Session Musician of the Year at the Boston Music Awards and has also received recognition from the International Portuguese Music Awards. He teaches drum set at Berklee, maintains a private studio, and is a recurring guest lecturer for MIT’s Heavy Metal 101 series. His work has been featured in LA Weekly, The Boston Globe, The Village Voice, and Metal Injection.

As a live streamer, Matt has built a strong community around music and gaming. His community has helped raise funds for organizations including To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), BAGLY, and Save the Music Foundation. 

Educator

  • Assistant Professor, Berklee College of Music (2026–Present)
    -Double Bass Drum Lab
    -Rock Lab
    -Private Instruction
    -Advanced Metal and Progressive Studies – Summer Drums & Percussion Workshop (2024-2026)
    –    Rhythm Section Instructor, Berklee College of Music – Bass Workshop (2021–2026)
    –Accompanist Musician, Berklee College of Music – Guitar Sessions (2025)

  • Lecturer / Masterclass Instructor, MIT’s Heavy Metal 101 (2017–2026)

  • Private Instructor, Band Gig School of Music & Performance – (2022-Present)

  • Private Instructor and Band Coach, Plugged In Band Program – (2016-Present)

Drummer

  • Winner, 2025 Boston Music Award – Session Musician of the Year

  • Winner, 2019 Boston Music Award – Best Vocalist (with Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co.)

  • Nominee, Boston Music Awards – Session Musician of the Year (2018, 2023, 2024)

  • Performer, 2021 Laver Cup at TD Garden (with The Heavy, UK)

  • Featured Artist, PBS’s Ocean State Sessions (with Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co.)

  • Headliner, NH Drum Festival (2016)

  • Best Drummer in Boston, Shakefist Magazine

  • Winner, 2017 New England Music Awards – Best Live Act (with Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys)

  • Winner, 2016 International Portuguese Music Award – Best Rock Performance (with Mike Kerr Group)

  • Nominee, Boston Music Awards – Metal Act of the Year (with Protean Collective, 2015–2018)

  • Nominee, Boston Music Awards – Live Act of the Year (with Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, 2016–2018)

Composer (Selected Credits)

  • Drake Hollow – Video Game (PlayStation, Xbox, Steam) – 2020

  • The VelociPastor – Film (Amazon Prime) – 2017

  • Some Freaks – Film (Netflix) – 2016

Personality

  • Honoree, 2023 Most Influential Emerging Leaders of Color – Charles River Regional Chamber

  • Featured Artist, NESN’s Dirty Water TV – Premiered during Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics broadcasts

  • Featured Actor, MENTOR “Mentoring Amplifies” Campaign – Appeared in a national campaign alongside past participants such as Megan Rapinoe and Blake Griffin. Video here: https://bit.ly/43Y5AuB

 

Social Media Links:

Instagram/TikTok: @DrMattZappa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMattZappa/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drMattZappa
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/drmattzappa