Prelude:

Born on January 26, 2006, in Toronto, Canada, Matteo’s journey into the world of music began almost as soon as he could walk. Raised in a family where music was ever-present, he developed an early curiosity for sound. At just three years old, Matteo discovered the family piano and soon after, a guitar. By the age of four, his explorations led him to the garage, where he built his own drum kit out of a bucket, a box and chopsticks performing impromptu concerts for anyone who happened to pass by.

His innate rhythm was unmistakable, and his father, recognizing Matteo's natural talent, introduced him to a real drum kit and the iconic 2 & 4 groove. It was this moment that ignited his lifelong passion for drums and percussion, laying the foundation for his deep connection to music. The drums became his voice—an expression of both communication and dance that continues to shape his sound today.​

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Education:

Matteo’s devotion to music grew as he pursued formal training. His musical education began with piano and guitar lessons, but it was percussion that truly captured his soul. He dedicated countless hours to practicing, balancing his love for music with the life of a typical child. The results of his hard work were soon evident, setting him on a path toward greater achievement.

Matteo’s commitment to his craft led him to seek higher education in music. He was fortunate to study under renowned educator and session drummer Jeff Salem, before reaching a significant milestone at just 14 years old—being accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music's Summer Program in Boston. There, he completed his Pro-Certificate Program with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning 9 university credits before even entering high school. His professors at Berklee included Skip Hadden, Yoron Israel (Dean), and Jim Payne, all of whom helped shape his advanced drumming skills.

During his time at Mayfield Secondary School, a top-performing arts high school in Canada, Matteo honed his musical abilities further, studying music in both large and small ensembles at a university prep level while also deepening his understanding of music theory. He also spent his Saturdays studying with Steve Mancuso at Humber College, another key influence in his musical development.

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Today:

Graduating high school with provincial honours in 2024, Matteo had already secured scholarships to attend some of the most respected music institutions in the world, including Berklee College of Music, York University, and Humber College. After careful consideration, Matteo chose Humber College, drawn by its specialized focus on percussion and its alignment with Berklee’s curriculum—allowing him to stay close to home while continuing to study under the guidance of Grammy Award-winning percussionist Larnell Lewis.

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Ahead:

Matteo’s future is brimming with promise. He plans to complete his 4-year honours degree at Humber, while continuing to perform live and contribute to his band Chance of Reign, where he serves as both a composer and drummer. Their music and EP are available on streaming platforms, a testament to Matteo’s growing presence in the music scene. In addition to his band, Matteo is often invited to collaborate as a session drummer for other artists, expanding his musical horizons.

Matteo’s journey is just beginning, and as his career evolves, his commitment to his craft and his endless pursuit of musical exploration ensures that his story—like his music—has no end.

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