top of page
Bio

MATTEO VENA_bio

IMG-20150806-00167%20(2)_edited.jpg

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.​

​​

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.

​​

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.

​

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.

​​

Drums 06_Super_Portraitkmm.jpg
IMG_0753_edited.jpg
2019-07-16 15.26.37.jpg
IMG_20141013_142031.jpg
96204832_1kfgoehtgg-M23-1804.jpg
23632669_10159586635195313_8418720916530
Untitled.png
News

MATTEO VENA_news

Bill_Ludwig_Head_Shot.jpg
Skip_Hadden_17.jpg
ddf.jpg

 “There’s a big difference between thrashing around on drums, guitar or any   (instrument) as opposed to a schooled, serious approach ... where it’s not just a   hobby, but what they want to do in life," Ludwig said." I always keep my eyes open for   that because you never know when the next Beatles or Led Zeppelin are going to roll   through.” 

 - William Ludwig III.

 (Interview about Matteo Vena TORSTAR news Monday Dec 2nd 2019)


 "Matteo Vena, definitely a young man to watch. Only early teens and hanging tough   this summer in Berklee’s Rock Drums. He possesses potential of the highest order and   am looking for him to BE..."                                                                          -   -   - Skip Hadden.

 Professor at Berklee College of Music (Boston)

​

 "Matteo Vena is definitely an up-and-coming drummer. I taught him R&B/Funk

 Drums course for Berklee College of Music and he showed lots of creativity and

 spark in his playing. He's a dedicated musician and I expect that the music world

 will hear about him in the near future".

 - Jim Payne. Legendary funk drummer 

 and  Professor at Berklee College of Music (Boston)

​

  A Few Article Links
11x15 - 1.1.png
il.png
Gallery

MATTEO VENA_gallery

Endorsements

MATTEO VENA_endorsements

Drums:
WFLIII Drums & Percussion

www.wfliiidrums.com

William Ludwig III welcomes me to WFLIII
With William Ludwig III of WFLIII
logo_2048x2048.png
Sticks and Mallets:

Los Cabos  Drumsticks

https://www.loscabosdrumsticks.com/

lg_7ARH.jpg
fgh.jpg
download.png
Drum Heads:

ATTACK Drum Heads

https://www.attackdrumheads.com/

90102306_212238340136549_786140430776401
Attack-Orbit2-both.png
download.png
Hardware:

Trick Pedals and Hardware

https://www.trickdrums.com/

IMG_0753_edited.jpg
517TTGWXmPL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
trick-drums-logo-sticker.jpg
Cymbals:

Soultone Cymbals

https://www.soultonecymbals.com/

124107312_391045265589188_63818346697233
124891545_391045235589191_80202442175562
Sticker 8_5.jpg

MATTEO VENA_contact

Fashion:

Full Circle Company.

https://fullcirclecompany.co/

sdgfsdg.jpg
dgr.jpg
dtrywet.jpg
dtghdft.jpg
Drums 06_Super_Portraitkmm.jpg
50480744_385837648894182_759504415848660
Contact
Let's Get Social
  • Twitter
  • White Facebook Icon
  • White YouTube Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
Email Me
Don't Be Shy
  Call-Text. 
Or Drum Beats
416-859-0759
Musical Outlet
"Chance of Reign"
f05cbc8c0f8b075d2b4f1f68fee49649.jpg
apple-logo-black-white-100790675-large.j
download.png
  • Twitter
  • White Facebook Icon
  • White YouTube Icon
  • White Instagram Icon

MATTEO VENA_drummer

bottom of page