Michael LaMattina serves at the director of Percussion Studies at Miami University and holds the position of Principal Percussion with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. At Miami University, Mr. LaMattina oversees all aspects of the percussion curriculum, including applied percussion, Percussion Ensemble, Studio Class, guest lectures and concerts, and curating the department’s collection of percussion instruments. With the Dayton Philharmonic, he performs classical programs, chamber music, opera, ballet, and educational outreach shows with the DPO Trio. Additionally, Michael is a substitute and extra musician with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and holds the position of Principal Percussion with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, in Lancaster, OH, during the summer.
Previous positions Mr. LaMattina has held include Principal Percussion with The Colorado Music Festival Orchestra in Boulder (2007-2014), Associate Section Percussion with the Columbus Symphony, Principal Timpani & Percussion with The ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus, Principal Percussion of the Canton Symphony, and Section Percussion with the Erie Philharmonic. Michael also plays extra and substitute percussion with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, has performed with the Atlanta Symphony, and plays percussion on nationally touring Broadway productions.
Michael received his Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Master of Music degree in performance from Cleveland State University. He has attended the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA, was a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA, and was a member of The Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps for two seasons while in high school.
As a clinician, Michael has presented snare drum classes at The Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis in 2014 and 2021. He is an artist endorser with Pearl & Adams percussion and with Sabian Cymbals. Mr. LaMattina maintains a private studio at home and composes and arranges music for percussion ensemble; his trio “Le Marche Diabolique” is published by TapSpace Publications LLC. Other interests include video production, stick & mallet building, instrument repair and design, architecture, fitness, and film. He lives in Dayton, OH, with his wife Lori and their son Andrew.
