Today we’d like to introduce you to Mat Miranda.
Hi Mat, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been drumming since I was very young. My dad is drummer and he started getting me familiar with drums before I even learned how to walk. At the age of three, I got my first drum set for Christmas, and there’s home video of me running up to it and playing a basic drum beat with a drum fill at the end (surprised myself when I saw that!) Throughout my life, I have mainly been self-taught on drum sets. I then got my drum marching skills from being in the drumline all throughout high school. I even taught myself piano as well during that time. After high school, I was a part of the OCI percussion group for two years and competed in WGI (the national circuit for indoor percussion ensemble.) Being a part of that ensemble really helped my drumming and tightened my skills. Shortly after that, I started performing at Disneyland as a marching drummer. Since then, I’ve done various types of gigs, and shows, including performing with Carnival Cruiselines, drumming at Six Flags, at stadiums/arenas, tours throughout the states and out of the country, drummed for Kanye West and more. Additionally, I also teach private lessons and drumline groups.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it has been a smooth road. There will always be obstacles and challenges, but I think that is a good thing. To drum at Disney was one of my main goals that I had always wanted. It was definitely a challenge for me since it had taken me quite a few auditions before I was finally offered a role. Disney also really helped me improve my showmanship within my performances. I have always been more of a shy, quiet and reserved person. Opening up was one thing I had to work on to be a performer at Disney. It was totally different for me, but I’m really glad that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone because now I feel that my overall performance when I drum is way better than it ever was.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a working musician. I am primarily a drummer with experience in playing drum set, marching drums, and percussion. I feel that I am most known for my drumming experiences at Disneyland. I would also say the opportunities I have had at Disney have probably been something I have been most proud of. I think also having that experience at Disney is something that sets me apart from others. Also, I think even though I am most known for playing drum set, having marching drum skills as well also sets me apart from other drummers who may not have that additional talent.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that our city has just about anything and everything. There is so much talent here and there is so much to offer with such a wide variety of entertainment, shows and attractions. What I least like about it would be the cost of living unfortunately.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/DrummerMat
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/DrummerMatMan
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@drummermat?
