Matt Billingslea

Originally from Westminster, Maryland, Matt’s first instrument was piano. Raised on Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys and Michael Jackson, Matt was uninspired by classical piano lessons. At ten years old, after a few years of piano, he switched to drums. Primary influences became 90’s rock/alternative and the progressive rock band, Rush. He played in several local rock bands, the high school jazz band and a few regional Big Bands.

Intent on turning a passion into a career, Matt attended Capital University, earning a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Music Industry. After college, Matt spent four years in Denver, Colorado, performing and recording for regional artists.

Looking for greater opportunity, Matt moved to Nashville in the spring of 2005. He spent three years with Lady A, and during that time co-wrote “Wanted You More”, a top-20 single from Lady A’s third album, Own The Night. He joined Taylor for her “RED Tour” in 2013 and has been her drummer ever since.

As a clinician, Matt has done a variety of lectures and master classes, presented at PASIC 2016 and is currently and adjunct faculty member of Lipscomb University.