BIO:
Matt Zappa is a Berklee College of Music Alum and an internationally-touring drummer who has played for bands like Protean Collective, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Juile Rhodes, and Math The Band. He’s also a recording session musician for pop, rock, and hip hop artists and has been featured in video game soundtracks.
In addition to performing, Matt has over 10 years of experience teaching drum lessons privately and has prepared students for college music programs and personal music projects. He’s also a guest lecturer at MIT for Heavy Metal 101 and has taught at Berklee College of Music summer programs.
Matt has won awards at the Boston Music Awards and the International Portuguese Music Awards with different groups, and has received acclaim for his projects from publications such as LA Weekly, The Boston Globe, Village Voice, Metal Injection
Educator
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Guest Lecturer / Masterclass Instructor, MIT’s Heavy Metal 101 (2017–2020, 2025)
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Faculty, Berklee College of Music – Drums & Percussion Workshop
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Advanced Metal and Progressive Studies (2024)
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Rhythm Section Instructor, Berklee College of Music – Bass Workshop (2021–2024)
Drummer
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Winner, 2019 Boston Music Award – Best Vocalist (with Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co.)
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Nominee, Boston Music Awards – Session Musician of the Year (2018, 2023, 2024)
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Performer, 2021 Laver Cup at TD Garden (with The Heavy, UK)
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Featured Artist, PBS’s Ocean State Sessions (with Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co.)
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Headliner, NH Drum Festival (2016)
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Best Drummer in Boston, Shakefist Magazine
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Winner, 2017 New England Music Awards – Best Live Act (with Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys)
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Winner, 2016 International Portuguese Music Award – Best Rock Performance (with Mike Kerr Group)
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Nominee, Boston Music Awards – Metal Act of the Year (with Protean Collective, 2015–2018)
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Nominee, Boston Music Awards – Live Act of the Year (with Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, 2016–2018)
Composer (Selected Credits)
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Drake Hollow – Video Game (PlayStation, Xbox, Steam) – 2020
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The VelociPastor – Film (Amazon Prime) – 2017
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Some Freaks – Film (Netflix) – 2016
Personality
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Honoree, 2023 Most Influential Emerging Leaders of Color – Charles River Regional Chamber
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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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMattZappa/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drMattZappa
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/drmattzappa
Twitter/Instagram: @DrMattZappa