Benjamin Tomkins, Violinist
Benjamin Tomkins
Education
Benjamin Tomkins began playing the violin when he was 11 years old. At age 13, he was accepted into the studio of Monte Belknap, where he studied for eight years. During that time, he soloed on numerous occasions with orchestras, including the Monument Symphony, the Jacksonville Symphony, and the Western Illinois Symphony. At the age of 18, Benjamin became the second youngest member ever to win positions with the Illinois Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, directed by Kenneth Kiesler, and performed as concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony in Illinois. In 2002, he was accepted to the Masters program at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Stephen Rose.
Performance
As a chamber musician, Benjamin has performed with the Hyperion String Quartet, and played in masterclasses and coachings with members of the Cleveland, Penderecki, Arditti, Tokyo, Miro, and Miami quartets. In 2005, he won a full-time position with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
Teaching
Benjamin has been an active teacher for the last ten years. In 2001, he served as Adjunct Professor of Violin at Illinois College in Jacksonville. He and his wife Robyn taught at Creative Spark in Charleston, and under their guidance the program expanded dramatically. Together with Robyn’s sister, Megan Holland, they started the Charleston Educators recital series, a monthly recital program featuring students from teachers throughout Charleston. Their teaching styles incorporate the Suzuki method as well as traditional techniques.
Composition
Benjamin is also an accomplished composer. His music has been performed in recitals all over the country. Last February, his Piano Trio was premiered by the Strada Trio in Zipper Hall at the Colburn School. Benjamin recently completed a commission for a violin concerto dedicated to his longtime teacher and friend, Monte Belknap, which will be performed in February 2008, in Salt Lake City and Missouri.
Benjamin currently lives in Denver with his wife, Robyn, and his cat, Molly.