Matt Harwood-Jones

2008

- gold medal, Richmond Jazz Festival, WL Seaton Junior Jazz Band

2009

- Instrumentalist Magazine Musicianship Award

- Excellence in Music Award, WL Seaton School

- Best Rhythm Section Performer Award, BC Interior Jazz Festival

- Woody Herman Jazz Award, WL Seaton School

- Douglas College scholarship for Summer Jazz Intensive

2010

- Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Award of Excellence, WL Seaton Senior Jazz Band, Idaho

- Smash and Crash Drum Competition winner, Wentworth Music, Kelowna

Matt Harwood-Jones is a 17-year-old drummer whose rare talent has until now been mostly unknown beyond his immediate circle of family, friends, mentors and the Seaton jazz program. Growing up in a musical family, Matt was exposed to great music - and great drummers - early in life. At age 6 Rush was Matt's favourite band, and since beginning his study of drums at age 12 his influences have grown to include Omar Hakim, Steve Gadd, Virgil Donati, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Jojo Mayer, Steve Smith, Kirk Covington, Tomas Haake and many others. Matt's goal is to continue his musical studies at Berklee college of music in Boston, and from there to go wherever his drumming will take him.