Ryan Frost

Dr. Ryan Frost serves as Instructor of Percussion at Wartburg College, teaching academic courses and directing both Western and non-Western music ensembles. An active performer, he specializes in concert and world percussion traditions while maintaining performance roles with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and Wartburg Symphony Orchestras.

His educational background includes:

• B.A., University of Northern Iowa, 2003
• M.A., Middle Tennessee State University, 2005
• D.M.A., West Virginia University, 2015

Dr. Frost's research centers on percussion performance with deep expertise in West African drumming traditions. His doctoral work was presented at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and he actively commissions new works from leading composers including Kevin Bobo, Michael Burritt, Gene Koshinski, and Mark Ford. He has received the Global Education Opportunities grant to study Ghanaian drumming at the Dagbe Cultural Institute and Dagara Music Center in Ghana.

Professional recognition includes:

• Fairmont State University Outstanding Adjunct Award for Teaching Excellence

Dr. Frost serves on the Percussive Arts Society World Percussion Committee and held leadership roles in the Iowa Percussive Arts Society. His performance career spans regional orchestras including Dubuque Symphony and Morgantown Community Orchestras, while proudly endorsing Black Swamp Percussion and Innovative Percussion products.