Toby Bender’s diverse skills and work ethic has made him one of the most versatile and dependable percussionists in Australia. As a drummer, multi-percussionist, vocalist, and producer, with an affinity for rhythms of the world, he has had an extensive career as a performer, recording artist, and educator.

From age 16, Toby has travelled the world earning a reputation as a stylistically diverse musician. Growing up with the sounds of Steely Dan on stereo, and a passion for klezmer music, and a hunger to learn about Latin-American, South-American and African percussion, his knowledge base is vast.

Toby has performed, and presented drums and percussion clinics in Australasia, North and South America, and the Caribbean Islands. He travelled throughout the United States and the Caribbean Islands as a member of the internationally acclaimed dance company ‘Burn The Floor,’ was the percussionist for the Australian production of ‘Dirty Dancing,’ and has made appearances at several festivals including The Wangaratta Jazz Festival, The Melbourne Jazz Festival, and The Sydney Festival. Additionally, as an endorsee, he has represented companies both nationally and internationally at events including NAMM and The Australian Ultimate Drummers Weekend.