Matt Dean

BACKGROUND
Born in 1980, Matt was instantly exposed to performance with parents who were both musicians and street performers. He was brought up on a diverse range of music but with great influences from folk and rock music. He grew up watching the great performers of these genres, learning his trade until his first professional gig aged 16. He then spent time cultivating his skills and personal sound playing folk/rock and also in covers bands playing classic rock by artists such as Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Dire Straits and Cream.
During his school years he also played in original punk and rock groups where he was given the freedom to apply his own unique style and make a name for himself locally.
He then went on to Music college where he was exposed to other styles of music from legendary tutors, opening his eyes to the world of Latin, Jazz, Funk and other styles.
Having played with countless groups, solo artists, theatre engagements, radio jingles, metal/rock bands, jazz ensembles and function bands Matt settled with funk/soul/rock band Helium Soul who achieved great acclaim from their debut album, Mass Of Four. This achieved airplay world wide and extensively on BBC RADIO 2 and BBC RADIO 6. He has since been touring with Helium Soul and other bands as well as many recording sessions in an array of genres.

EXPERIENCE
Experienced drummer, percussionist, keyboard player, composer and teacher, Matt’s playing is one of the most important aspects of his life and something that he is totally dedicated to. Over the years he has played in many different settings with numerous recording sessions and constant “depping” gigs enabling him to walk into most drumming situations confident that he can do the job. A strong reader and comfortable with a click, huge emphasis is put on precision timing and a great natural feel. As well as his current regular band Helium Soul (funk/rock), he plays in a newly formed jazz group combining standard jazz tunes with modern fusion compositions, Mojo Filter (a function band), Stefano Matteuci (classical/rock), a Santana (Latin/Rock) tribute band (www.myspace.com/samtanatribute) and continues to play regular sessions.

This has included work all over the country and Europe from village halls, pubs, clubs, universities, arena’s, festivals, theatres (including London Palladium, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Theatre Royal-Drury lane), boats and countless recording sessions.

He also successfully wrote, recorded and produced a drum loop sample album and subsequently sold the copyright to Loopasonic TM (The Sonica Group), appeared in the latest SONY WALKMAN advert and enjoyed freelance writing success with publications such as 'Modern Drummer', 'Rhythm', 'International Musician’, ‘Drumscene’ and ‘Making Music'.

QUALIFICATIONS
Tutored in various Master classes and courses by some of the Industry’s finest drummers. These include Mike Sturgis (Asia, Ah-ha, Wishbone Ash), Pete Riley (Republica), Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Yes, Earthworks) Bosco De Oliveira (Europe’s leading Brazilian percussion teacher), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Mark Richardson (Skunk Anansie, Feeder), Steve Washington (Take That, Texas, Wet Wet Wet), JR Robinson (Michael Jackson, Randy Crawford), Andy Gangadeen (The Spice Girls, The Bays) and more.

To talk to and watch these musicians play has exposed Matt to priceless experiences and information which culminated in these academic achievements:

1st Class BA (Hons) MUSIC
Diploma (Distinction) MUSIC

TEACHING
●Private teaching
●School assemblies
●Group summer schools
●Taught mentally handicapped children
●Workshops in corporate office situations

He has also undergone teacher training, has had an enhanced CRB check and currently teaches at Greenfield School, Woking and Grafham Grange, Grafham.

He also raised £750 for ‘Children with Leukemia’ charity through the Flora London Marathon and £2,000 for child cancer charity ‘CLIC Sargent’.

ACCOLADES
“Matt Dean is a young, energetic drummer who combines fiery chops with a sensitive musical ear. A versatile player who is a complete musician.” Mike Sturgis – Asia, Ah-Ha, Wishbone Ash

“Matt is a joy to work with and a remarkable musician” Keith Hayman – MD. Joseph, Lion King, Cliff Richard

EQUIPMENT
Zildjian cymbals, Pearl Masters Custom 6 piece, Mapex V Series Jazz kit, Roland TD6 Electronic kit, Ddrum triggers, large range of snares, home recording capabilities

CONTACT
Mob: 07720137386
E-mail: funkmastermatt@hotmail.com
Web: www.myspace.com/mattdeandrummer