Matthew McKay

Percussionist Matt McKay joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra at the beginning of the 2012 season. Prior to joining the BSO, McKay was a percussionist with the Oregon Symphony for two seasons. A native of Fairfax, Virginia, he began playing percussion at the age of 10, though his musical training began with the violin at the age of 4, and he began piano only three years later. In his high school years, he studied privately with former National Symphony Orchestra timpanist John Tafoya through the National Symphony Youth Fellowship program, and with Bill Richards, a retired member of the U.S. Army Band. McKay earned his bachelor’s degree from New England Conservatory under the tutelage of BSO percussionist J. William Hudgins. He continued his studies with BSO timpanist Timothy Genis at Boston University, where he completed his master’s degree in 2011. In addition to the Oregon Symphony, McKay has performed with the National, Detroit, San Diego, and Jacksonville symphony orchestras. An avid chamber musician, he also performs with the ensNEWSRQ and has been a member of Third Angle New Music ensemble in Portland, Oregon. McKay is a passionate teacher currently serving as a faculty member at New England Conservatory and at Tanglewood Music Center in the Berkshires.