Dr. Todd Hammes

Biography

Todd Hammes is a Teaching Specialist in Percussion at the Mead Witter School of Music, University of Wisconsin–Madison. His teaching and performance focus on world percussion, where he presents a unique blend of classical and improvisational styles. Hammes has performed both domestically and abroad, engaged in extensive musical composition, and led outreach programs for various groups. As a lifelong student of percussive arts, he has trained with some of the world’s leading percussionists. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious McKnight Visiting Composer Residency by the American Composer’s Forum, which enabled him to create music for individuals in assisted living situations. His studies in Hindustani drumming with the great Pandit Sharda Sahai began in 1993, and by 1998, he became a ganda-band disciple. Hammes holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Arizona (1992) and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (2010).

Research Interests