Musical artist Matthew Beal is proof that one can take their biggest lifelong passion and turn it into a gratifying career. When he first picked up a guitar at the age of six he was hooked on making music, he said, and through decades of perseverance has made a name for himself in the industry as a performer, educator, songwriter, producer and promoter.

Beal, who goes by the professional name Matthew Thomas, hails from Long Island where he began playing at local clubs at the age of 15.

He was mentored by a local musician who introduced him to such artists as Ritchie Blackmore of Black Sabbath and exposed him to every aspect of behind-the-scenes musical production. Continue reading →