Matt Spiva has taught percussion, music theory, audio technology and music production, concert band, jazz band, piano and more since 1997 at Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy where he is currently the chair of the music department. He started drumming when he was young, but was a pretty slow learner and not particularly coordinated. Through many years of hard work (and undoubtedly frustrating lessons for his instructors) he was able to complete a Bachelors of Music in Percussion Performance and a Masters of Music in Composition. He has performed as a percussionist with numerous professional groups in northern California including: The Sacramento Ballet Company, Music Now, Reddrum Percussion Group, California Wind Orchestra, Camellia Symphony, Sacramento Master Singers, Modesto Opera Company, River City Chorale, Magic Circle Theater, Sac State Percussion Group, and the Davis Chorale.