BORN IN: Kewanee, Illinois

LIVES IN: Las Vegas, Nevada

DRUMMING SINCE: 1980

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: The incredible people that I surround myself with

FAVOURITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: By my Standards – Francesca Camus

FAVOURITE ALBUM YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON: Any old school jazz album

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Musical Director for the Norwegian Cruise Line

FAVOURITE SABIAN CYMBAL: 22″ Legacy Heavy Ride with a rivet

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

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, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Waldorf Astoria, Venetian, Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Hotel and Casino, and Mandarin Oriental.
His theatrical credits include acclaimed productions like Smokey Joe’s Café, TOMMY, Hair, RENT, and In the Heights.

In 2025, Matt published 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. He considers these posts a true honor.

The new year marks a banner year for Matt. 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.