Marty Thenell

Marty Thenell is a Lecturer in Percussion and Teacher of Special Programs at Stanford University and UC Berkeley since 2022. He is an orchestral percussionist with notable engagements including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Hawaii Symphony, and Kansas City Symphony. His career spans solo performances in venues like Verbier (Switzerland), New York City, and Hamburg, alongside chamber collaborations with groups like the Elbtonal Percussion Quartet and Eco Ensemble (UC Berkeley-based).

Education:

• Master of Music in Performance, Juilliard School (studied under Greg Zuber, Daniel Druckman, Billy Drummond)
• Bachelor of Music in Performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music (studied under Trey Wyatt)

Research & Performance: Specializes in percussion performance across classical, contemporary, and chamber music. Pioneers experimental instrumental music with Eco Ensemble. Key mentors include Jake Nissly, Ed Stephan, and festival collaborators. Tours internationally with performances in six countries, including Berlin Philharmonie and Hamburg Elbphilharmonie.

Teaching: Privately instructed percussionists and currently teaches at Stanford/UC Berkeley. Focuses on bridging traditional and modern percussion techniques.