Matthew Holm
Biography
Dr. Matthew Holm is Director of Percussion Studies at Kent State University where he has revitalized the percussion program in all facets since 2017. Described as “…performing with unerring security” (Cleveland Classical), and “…an outstanding musician” (Percussive Notes), Holm is equally in demand as a chamber player and orchestral musician.
Dr. Holm has performed with the Columbus Symphony, West Virginia Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, and Youngstown Symphony Orchestras. Matthew also frequently collaborates with the Cleveland Composers Guild and the Cleveland Chamber Choir.
Holm’s 2022 album Auditory Illusions for Electronic Percussion was featured on WCLV “Cleveland Classical” in June 2023. Percussive Notes described the project as a “high quality set of recordings that could not come at a better time” as well as “powerful…and serving the percussion community well.” Matthew also released an album of all original compositions, entitled Ambient Scenes, in 2023. Both projects can be found on all streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.
Under Holm’s direction the KSU Percussion Ensemble has been selected to perform at OMEA in 2020, 2022, and 2023 and has performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Conventions in 2017, 2019, and 2023. The ensemble also collaborated with the Heartland Marimba Quartet, performing for the opening concert for the Center for Mallet Percussion Research in Kutztown, PA.
Active within the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), Matthew was elected to serve on the University Pedagogy Committee (2017-2021) and served as President of the Arizona Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. A former marching member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps (world champions 2000, 2001, 2002), Holm was the percussion coordinator for the 2023 SoundSport Champion Rhythm IN Blue (Bluecoats organization) and director/arranger for the PASIC champion Lamar University Drumline. Holm is a Marimba One artist, Innovative Percussion artist and Black Swamp education team member.
Expertise
Chamber Music