Matt Combs (2)

Matt Combs is a versatile performer, instrumentalist, writer, producer, and teacher who has been living and working in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1997. Primarily known for his fiddling, Matt has worked with some of the best names in country, bluegrass, and old-time music—including John Hartford, Jerry Douglas, Patty Loveless, Suzy Bogguss, Maura O'Connell, John Oates, Mike Snider, Ray Price, Kevin Costner, Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Martin, Marty Stuart, Uncle Josh Graves, Kenny Baker, The Indigo Girls, Norman and Nancy Blake, and Doc Watson. He has also performed with The Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Nashville Chamber Orchestra, and the Nashville Opera. In addition, he has played on the Grand Ole Opry over 200 times, has appeared on Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network, on documentaries on PBS, on CMT and GAC, and most recently on The Marty Stuart Show on RFD-TV.

In 1997, Matt received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan in violin performance, where he studied with Paul Kantor. Matt’s deep understanding of music and his cross-over abilities have led him to his current position as the Head of the Fiddle Department at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. For several years, Matt has also been an instructor at Mark O’Connor’s Fiddle Camp, at The International Fiddle School, and has lead clinics at The New England Conservatory, Wichita State University, and other middle schools, high schools and colleges. Also, since 2006, Matt has presented educational seminars in conjunction with the Nashville Symphony and the Country Music Hall of Fame, entitled “Is It Fiddle or Violin?” In addition to his teaching, Matt leads his own string band, performs with the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble, and often performs with Grand Ole Opry member, Mike Snider. He also fronts “The Driven Bow”, a nine-piece fiddle ensemble including some of Nashville’s finest fiddlers. Matt also maintains an active recording schedule—lending his talents on fiddle, mandolin, old time banjo, and guitar to numerous recording projects.