BENJAMIN TOMKINS, Violin

Benjamin Tomkins began playing the violin when he was 11 years old. At 13, he was accepted into the studio of Monte Belknap, with whom he remained for 8 years. At the age of 18 he 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 2005 he won a full-time position with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

Benjamin has been an active teacher for the last ten years of his life. 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.

Benjamin is also an accomplished composer, and has had his music performed in recitals all over the country. He currently lives in Denver with his wife Robyn, and his cat, Molly.