Teaches in Boston, MA

From Somerville, Massachusetts

Plays and Drums

About

Matthew MacKellar is a drummer from Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. Matthew always had an interest for music, having been raised in a church where music was an integral part of services. Matthew has always been attracted to the rhythmic element of the drums, capturing his interest and pointing him towards his early influences of gospel music as well as more modern funk and rock fusion from bands such as Jamiroquai to Steely Dan. In his later years, Matt experienced a life-changing trip to New York City, where he first encountered Jazz music, which shaped his path to the present day. With such drum icons as Art Blakey and Max Roach entering the forefront of his interest, he switched his studies to improvisational music for the next few years, quickly becoming an obsession. This fascination helped in Matt's journey to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was able to study under John Ramsey, Ralph Peterson and James Murphy, graduating in drum performance in 2022. Matt has since ventured back into the realms of Gospel and more groove oriented studies, becoming involved in pop music projects locally and in the UK, as well as playing for local functions and events with bands such as the Silver Arrow Band and Kahootz Entertainment.