Music

During over 20 years as an educator, Matthew Bassett has taught percussion to students of all ages and ability levels. His primary, secondary, and collegiate ensembles have been featured at percussion festivals and have been heard on live radio. Bassett has arranged music for marching percussion, percussion ensemble, and has written several practice manuals for his students. Past positions include serving on the faculties of both Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University.  

Bassett became principal timpanist of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2009. A native of Northeast Ohio, he holds degrees in music performance from both the Cleveland Institute of Music (B.M.) and Cleveland State University (M.M.). Previously, Matt served as principal timpanist for the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, and the Mansfield Symphony. Since 1993, he has been principal timpanist and percussionist with Apollo’s Fire (The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra).

Bassett operates a home business repairing percussion instruments and equipment. He re-wraps timpani mallets for professional and amateur performers and reconditions instruments for school music programs. He resides in Buffalo with his daughter and his wife Kathleen, a music educator.