Matt French

Matt originally studied at the Royal College of Music, where he was awarded the Sabian Percussion Prize upon graduation. He was then accepted onto the prestigious Archer Scholarship, during which he performed with Bobby Lamb’s Trinity Big Band.

He has since gone on to enjoy a varied career, performing with many orchestras including the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Ulster Orchestra, RTÉ Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In addition to his orchestral work, Matt has played in numerous musicals both on tour and in London’s West End.

Through his extensive playing career, Matt has acquired a wide range of skills that he believes are essential for the working drum kit player. These are the skills he brings to his teaching. As an educator, Matt is currently the drum kit teacher at the Royal College of Music Junior Department. He has also delivered classes at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and tutored the National Youth Percussion Ensemble. His approach to teaching drum kit is entirely based on the needs of the individual. Once these are assessed, Matt draws on his wealth of experience and real-world material to tailor lessons accordingly.

Matt has also delivered classes for the Royal Marines and participated in several large-scale education projects, including multiple iterations of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s Big Bash, where he has led group sessions. He was also involved in the preliminary work on the percussion section of the London Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Faculties / departments: Junior Department

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