Matthew Goddard

Matthew Goddard has been Principal Timpanist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra since 1999. Born and bred in Hobart, Matt started his musical journey as a drummer before developing an interest in orchestral percussion.

After completing an honours degree in music performance at the Victorian College of The Arts, Matt had a busy freelance career in Melbourne, working primarily with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and with the percussion ensemble Woof!.

In 1998, Matt worked as timpanist and percussionist with Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa in Japan before returning home to Tasmania to take up his current position.

During his time with the TSO, Matt has served as President of the TSO Players’ Association and Elected Players’ Representative, as a member of the Artistic Committee, as well as sitting on the Federal Executive of the Symphony Orchestra Musicians Association (SOMA).

Outside of the TSO, Matt plays percussion with the early music ensemble Sequenza, and enjoys his own creative pursuits in his studio at home.

He describes himself as an average fly fisherman who poses no particular threat to the trout population of Tasmania.