Matthew Black

Carmel High School, The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, Rhythm-X

Matthew Black is an active arranger, clinician, and composer with original works performed at The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, DCI, BOA, WGI, and IPA. He is currently associate director of bands and director of percussion at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana.

He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastern Illinois University.

In addition to his work at Carmel High School, Matthew is the Sound Designer and Audio Caption Manager for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and the Sound Design Assistant for Rhythm-X Indoor Percussion Ensemble. He was the soundscape designer for The Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in 2020.

Matthew has spent time on the educational staff of Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Veritas Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and Cavaliers Indoor Percussion Ensemble. He served as the percussion director at 7-time Grand National Champion Marian Catholic High School from 2014-2019.

He has presented clinics nationwide, speaking on percussion pedagogy and electronic music production for Ableton Live. He is a percussion faculty member for the Percussion Specialist Academy for Music For All Summer Symposium. You can find a list of his notable clients at matthewblackmedia.com.

He currently lives in Carmel, Indiana, with his wife Amy, daughter Julia, and their dogs Lydian and Hank.

Matthew Black'S SETUP:

  1. 20" Constantinople Suspended Cymbal
  2. 18" Constantinople Special Selection Hand Cymbals
  3. 15" Kerope Hi-Hats
  4. 22" Kerope Ride
  5. 22" Constantinople Bounce Ride
  6. K Custom 19" Dark Crash.

* May be prototype

Matthew
Black's
IN 3

Matthew Black's
IN 3

  • WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

    The opportunity to work on musical works with talented musicians and teachers. I love learning new ways from point a to point b. Seeing teachers present old concepts in new ways is my greatest inspiration.

  • WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

    One, study the greats. They have all the answers you are looking for. Two, there is something to learn from every individual at every level of musicianship. They have their own collection of experiences that can guide you to a new method of doing something. Third, there is more than one way from point a to point b. Most of the icons you itch to study with tried 17 different approaches and settled on their current pedagogy; one that is constantly evolving and changing. Last, break all the rules. Seek your own approach instead of simply copying others. In fact... their are no rules, simply guidelines to help you find your own voice and approach.

  • FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

    15" Kerope Hi-Hats, 22" Constantinople Bounce Ride, 19" K Custom Dark Crash. K Custom Special Dry 19" Trash Crash.

Matthew Black’S GO-TO’S

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