Tristan Swihart is a percussionist based in Madison, WI. Being equal parts performer, educator, and arts administrator, Tristan keeps himself busy as a freelance artist.  When not on the road performing or teaching private lessons, Tristan enjoys reading, kayaking, and riding his bike.  He is also actively involved in the process of creating new works for percussion, having been a part of multiple commissions and world premieres with several composers such as Austin Keck, Elizabeth Gartman, and Victor LaBozzetta.

Tristan received a Bachelor of Music degree and Arts Leadership certificate from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Professor Michael Burritt as well as adjunct professors Brian Kushmaul, Chip Ross, Jim Ross, and Rich Thompson.  Tristan previously studied with Micah Detweiler.

 In addition to his contemporary and classical music background from Eastman, Tristan also studies Brazilian percussion with master drummer Jorge Alabê in both Brazil and the US. He has performed with Grupo Samba Rio based in Oakland, California, and is an active member of the Madison, WI based Handphibians and Saideira Pagode.