From the moment he picked up a pair of sticks aged 10, Toby was drawn to the variety and breadth of percussion. Joining the CBSO as Principal Percussion and Timpani in 2016 was a dream come true and has given Toby some of his most memorable musical experiences; touring the world with stellar conductors and soloists, playing everything from Beethoven to Mahler to Queen to Bollywood, dressing up in enormous inflatable costumes, dancing at the front of the Symphony Hall stage, directing and presenting immersive concerts, and everything in between. The enormous range of the CBSO’s work and the inherent variety of percussion has been a constant inspiration.

Before joining the CBSO, Toby built a varied freelance career, including everything from concerto performances, solo and duo recitals across the UK and playing percussion and timps with many of the UK’s leading orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and the John Wilson Orchestra. Alongside this, Toby made a name for himself as a bodhrán player and has enjoyed recording and performing with many leading UK folk artists including Seth Lakeman, Emily Portman and Martin Simpson.

Since 2019, Toby has been Head of Percussion at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, as well as a regular percussion tutor for the National Youth Orchestra. Teaching has become a particularly rewarding part of his career, supporting the next generation of percussionists to develop their skills, confidence and creativity as they make their way into the profession.

Aside from music, Toby loves being outdoors; especially on his bike. Whether on adventure rides across Europe (often while on tour!), pottering around the park with his kids, or getting out over the Clent hills on the way in to the city.