I’m here to help

Nicholas Matthews (born 1984 Ann Arbor, Michigan) is a professional percussionist, drummer, pianist, teacher, and arranger. He holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI, where he studied percussion and marimba with Prof. John Dorsey. He’s currently studying piano with Nicole Szarama.

A dedicated teacher and mentor, Nick is inspired by the unique puzzle each student presents. He enjoys helping them unlock their full potential and to find success on their chosen paths. Central to his lessons are developing confidence, listening, expression, problem solving, exploration, process, and communication. Former students have studied at University of Michigan, University of Southern California, Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, Central Michigan University, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

In the past, Nick performed with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra where he played keyboards, timpani, percussion, and drum set for about ten years. Some of his favorite performances with the ASO were Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and the West Side Story Symphonic Suite.

He’s been playing drums and percussion for musical theater shows since high school . From 2011-2019, He played about one hundred shows a year with Meadow Brook Theatre and many local community groups/schools. Some of his favorites were: Next To Normal, Once On This Island, and Xanadu.

Nick plays music in all styles, including rock, classical, jazz, hip hop, and has an extensive background in marching percussion. In the past, he’s taught with Plymouth-Canton Marching Band, Eastside Fury Percussion Ensemble, Lake Orion High School, Ann Arbor Huron High School, Ann Arbor Skyline High School, and Albuquerque High School.