Matt will be highlighting his unique playing style, discussing his approach to playing complex rhythms while maintaining a solid groove, the importance of drum instruction, and how to coexist with band-mates on the road.

About Matt Halpern
A Baltimore native, Matt started playing the drums at the age of 3. With private lessons, Matt acquired a deep knowledge of drumming and a love for playing all genres of music. At a young age Matt was performing throughout the Northeast weekly.

After college Matt toured extensively with many bands and eventually joined up with instrumental group, Animals as Leaders. From there Matt had the opportunity to join progressive metal band Periphery, and he’s been with them ever since performing and touring all over the world.

Matt is highly regarded as a very active drum instructor and participant in the expansion of music education. In 2008, Matt founded Bandhappy the only online market place for live music lessons from musicians from all over the world. With Bandhappy, fans and musicians can take lessons with their favorite artists and teachers via custom video chats. Matt is currently gearing up for summer festivals with Periphery in Europe. Mapex Drums says:

"We are thrilled that Matt is part of the Mapex family and he has chosen Mapex MyDentity Drums to play on the road and for these clinics. His distinctive style coupled with his uncanny grasp of simple and complex rhythms identifies him as one of the new leading voices of the drumming world."

Matt Halpern will be performing and teaching at the following Elite Mapex MyDentity locations:

Sunday 9/9/2012: Bentleys, Fresno, CA

Monday 9/10/2012: Drum World, San Mateo, CA

Wednesday 9/12/2012: Teaching - Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Bellevue, WA

Thursday 9/13/2012: Clinic - Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Bellevue, WA

Monday 9/17/2012: Hix Brothers, Aurora IL

Tuesday 9/18/2012: Vics Drum Shop, Chicago, IL

Wednesday 9/19/ 2012: The Music Store Inc, Tulsa, OK

Thursday 9/20/2012: Fuinky Monkey Music, Shawnee Mission, KS

Friday 9/21/2012: Willis Music, Florence, KY

Saturday 9/22/2012: Dales Drum Shop, Harrisburg, PA