Kyle Forsthoff

Kyle Forsthoff serves as the Artist/Teacher in Classical Percussion at the University of Rhode Island, teaching percussion courses, directing the Percussion Ensemble, and instructing in the General Education curriculum. He concurrently teaches at Blackstone River Theatre and actively performs with ensembles like Verdant Vibes and the Boston New Music Initiative.

• Education: D.M.A. in Music (2010, University of Kentucky), M.M. (2007, Arizona State University), B.M. in Music Education (2005, University of Kentucky).

His research focuses on percussion in Irish Traditional Music and Fife & Drum Education, with scholarly work exploring cultural percussion traditions across Europe, Asia, and the US. As an active performer, he has participated in major events such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his Celtic band Fellswater.

Forsthoff leads pedagogical initiatives including teaching the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps and serving on the Executive and Archives committees of the Company of Fifers and Drummers. His scholarly publications span composition, ethnomusicology, and percussion pedagogy.

Professional affiliations include roles as Chapter President of the Rhode Island Percussive Arts Society, Associate Editor of Percussive Notes, and Percussion Manager for RIMEA.