Matt Prockup

Music, Machine Learning, Interactive Systems

I am currently a scientist at Pandora working on methods and tools for Music Information Retrieval at scale. I received my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University. My research interests span a wide scope of topics including audio signal processing, machine learning, and human computer interaction. I am also an avid percussionist and composer, having performed in and composed for various ensembles large and small. I’ve also studied floral design and making wheel thrown ceramics.

Music

PercussionIST & Musician

I have studied and performed music since childhood. Throughout my youth and well into adulthood, I both trained and gained performance experience as a drummer, classical percussionist, and marching percussionist. In addition to percussion, I learned to play the piano and studied music composition. I try to find a way to perform and create music every day.

Previous  Teachers & Mentors: Rich Hammond, Chris Feist, Mark Beecher, Chip Bachman, Matt Urquhart,  Myron Moss, Jeremy Miller,  Darrell "Bubba" Goslin. 

Instructor / Arranger / Composer

Until recently (moved away for work) I worked  with the Central Bucks South High School music program as an educator and composer for the band, orchestra and percussion ensemble. During the 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons, the group medaled and was additionally presented with the Best Percussion award at their circuit’s national championship competition. Current and previous ensembles included the Central Bucks School District, Drexel University, the East Penn School District, and the Wilson Area School District. Below are a few selected composition/arranging examples.  

Many previous students have gone on to perform with world renowned marching bands, drum and bugle corps, and indoor percussion ensembles including: The Cadets, Phantom Regiment, Jersey Surf, Raiders, The Reading Buccaneers, Hawthorn Caballeros, United Indoor, Matrix Indoor, West Chester University, Penn State University.

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Composition

Arranging for Marching Band / Percussion Ensemble

Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle COrps, MARCHING MEMBER 2004 - 2009

I performed as a concert percussionist, a marching cymbals player, and a marching snare drummer over the span of 6 competitive seasons. Additionally, while a member, the corps went undefeated and won the circuit’s world championship five times straight from 2005 through 2009.