Mathew Karakas

Hailing from Rochester Hills, Mathew Karakas has been studying drum set and music since 1988.

Upon leaning basic notation and technique at the illustrious Dryden Elementary School he went on to study privately with Keith Ottenbacher at Southern Thumb Music, in Richmond. Simultaneously, he was recording and performing with several bands including Who Cares?, Legion and Abeyance, thus furthering the musical bugs tenacious hold.

Embarking on an educational hiatus, Mathew earned a Baccalaureate of Science studying Plastics Engineering from Ferris State University, learning upon graduation that music, not plastic, was his true passion.

At one of lifes crossroads, he dove headlong into musical study including lessons with renowned Detroit drummer Sonny Kendrick.

Meanwhile, Mathew worked and recorded with the underground outfit 3300 and later in the power trio Bleep. During this continual aural saturation, in October of 2004 Mathew began teaching and thereby passing the torch of music at Guitars and Co. in Macomb and later at Macomb Music Center.

He presently teaches at GarageBand Music in downtown Utica in addition to private in home lessons.

Recently Mathew has begun taking piano lessons, seeking out greater understanding in the mysteries of music to further inspire the next generation of drummers and musicians.