Matt Nickle is a Utah-based percussionist, composer, and producer whose work focuses on expanding the role of percussion in live performance. With more than 25 years of experience as a performer and creator, his artistic practice centers on rhythm-driven storytelling, original percussion arrangements, and innovative live productions that highlight the expressive range of drums and percussion.
Nickle began studying music in elementary school and developed a strong focus on percussion throughout his school years. He later pursued a degree in Percussion Performance at the University of Utah School of Music. For more than two decades he has performed as a percussionist with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and the Orchestra at Temple Square, collaborating with artists including Kristin Chenoweth, Sutton Foster, and Audra McDonald. In addition to his work with the orchestra, Nickle maintains an active career as a freelance percussionist and was personally selected to perform with Hugh Jackman during The Greatest Showman Tour and as one of four percussionists chosen to perform with Andrea Bocelli at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City (twice).
Nickle’s creative work includes arranging vocal music and reimagining well-known repertoire for new ensembles. His a cappella arrangement of “O Holy Night” for men’s quintet, released on YouTube, has received more than 10 million views and reached a wide international audience.
He is the founder and creative director of Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre, where he develops original percussion productions that combine musical performance with lighting, staging, and visual atmosphere. His production Paranormal Percussion features original compositions and percussion-driven arrangements of well-known Halloween themes.
Nickle’s long-term vision for Warehouse 5 includes developing an academy for young percussionists while creating new opportunities for local musicians through percussion-centered productions.