Benjamin Toth

Benjamin Toth serves as Professor of Percussion and Head of the Percussion Department at the Hartt Community Division (HCD) of The Hartt School, University of Hartford. A Yamaha performing artist with international acclaim for "tour de force" (Gramophone) and "breathtaking" (Cleveland Plain Dealer) performances, he received the 2021 Roy E. Larsen Award for Excellence in Teaching.

His academic credentials include:

• Master of Music (MM), University of Illinois
• Bachelor of Music (BM), University of Akron (double major: Percussion Performance and Jazz Studies)

Professor Toth's performance expertise spans classical, contemporary, and global percussion traditions. His research interests focus on world music integration, particularly West African drumming (Ewe barrel drums, gyil), Brazilian percussion, Caribbean steel pan, and premiere performances of new works. He has premiered over 60 compositions including three concerti written expressly for him by Macbride, Živković, and Schwantner.

His major recognition includes:

• Roy E. Larsen Award for Excellence in Teaching (2021)

No information was provided regarding graduate student advising or research grant funding.

Professor Toth maintains significant ensemble affiliations including Percussion Group Cincinnati (1987-1992), Jovan Percussion Projekt (1996-present), and collaborations with ensembles like Conundrum (1992-2018), Illinois Contemporary Chamber Players, and the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. His performance venues span Carnegie Hall, Ravinia, and international festivals across 50+ countries.