Dr. Ryan Frost teaches applied percussion, percussion ensemble, and percussion methods at Luther College. An active performer and versatile educator, Frost is known for his expertise in both concert and world percussion. He has taught a variety of academic courses as well as directed both western and non-western music ensembles at several institutions of higher education. In recognition of his teaching, Frost was honored with the Fairmont State University Outstanding Adjunct Award for Teaching Excellence.

Frost has presented and performed at regional and national conferences including those of the Percussive Arts Society, College Music Society, National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, Iowa Music Educators Association, and the Iowa Bandmasters Association. His research on Halim El-Dabh’s derabucca notation was featured at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. In addition to his performances and presentations, he serves as a member of the Percussive Arts Society World Percussion Committee and has served as an officer for the Iowa Percussive Arts Society chapter.

An advocate for new music, Frost has commissioned and premiered multiple works for percussion by prominent percussion composers including Kevin Bobo, Michael Burritt, Gene Koshinski, and Mark Ford. Dr. Frost also holds interest in the percussive traditions of West Africa. He was awarded the Global Education Opportunities grant, which afforded him the opportunity to study Ghanaian drumming and dance at the Dagbe Cultural Institute and Arts Center and the Dagara Music Center in Ghana.

Along with the study and performance of non-western traditions, Frost performs with local and regional orchestras including the Waterloo-Cedar Falls and Wartburg symphony orchestras, and has previously performed with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and Morgantown Community Orchestra. He holds degrees from the University of Northern Iowa, Middle Tennessee State University, and West Virginia University. Frost proudly endorses Black Swamp Percussion products and Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets.