Every now and again, you just have to have a dance party in your living room. That’s just some of the happiness advice Matt Howard shares in today’s episode of Lift U Up: Inspiring Health Stories. For Matt, music is always essential. Currently working as the Principal Percussionist with the LA Philharmonic, Matt shares his story on how his path led him to his dream job so quickly. Even during a pandemic when he can’t perform live, Matt still finds a way to bring music into his life – and the lives of others.

Matt still pinches himself when he is reminded that he is living his dream playing music for a living. Growing up, Matt recalls that there was always music playing around the house. From oldies to modern rock, he found himself drawn to the artists his parents would play. When they saw he caught the music bug, they helped him pursue his passion. Matt learned how to play the drums and other percussion instruments and attended a high school music program. 

As a senior in high school, Matt didn’t think that he wanted to have music as his life-long profession. But when an accident left him temporarily unable to play - he knew he had to do something after graduation. Time attending community college, led Matt back to becoming obsessed with percussion. 

“If you want to get good at something, you have to obsess over it,” says Matt. 

Today, Matt lives out his days continuing to find happiness in music. While Matt isn’t performing any live shows in the near future, he still is bringing his passion and his music world-wide, through his social media presence and master classes. 

What else can you expect in this episode?

• A behind the scenes look inside the percussion room in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. 
• The many types of percussion instruments Matt has played.
• How Matt has tried to make the most of 2020 and the curveball the year has thrown. 
• Matt’s feeling on the digital era, and the impact sharing online has brought to his industry.
• Why Matt misses live performances.
• Stories of some of the most notable shows he has played in the past.