About

Vision

Tócalo Tucson is a formalized summer chamber music seminar for percussionists to expand their chamber music performance abilities. Through the use of daily rehearsal blocks, clinics, master-classes, private coachings, and performances with notable guest artists, participants are able to focus on strengthening specific-chamber related musical skills while working on notable chamber works in preparation for performance on two dedicated concerts.

If you are a percussionist passionate about your art, and want to be become better at what you do, the Tócalo Tucson Summer Chamber and Composition Seminar is the place to be! Over the course of eight days each June, Tócalo Tucson offers unprecedented access to some of the most famous chamber percussionist-composers. Participants are immersed in a unique learning environment, practicing, and rehearsing together at the University of Arizona’s, Fred Fox School of Music in beautiful Tucson, Arizona, culminating in two dedicated chamber percussion concerts.

People 2024

2024 Faculty & Guests Artists!

Administrative Team

Tócalo Tangents

“Tócalo Tangents” is an off-shoot concert series that runs throughout the year in Tucson, Arizona. These concerts speak to the spirit of Tócalo Tucson, featuring both solo and chamber concerts at prominent venues and performance spaces. Please check back for updates!

Upcoming Concerts:

CrossTALK electronic percussion ensemble performs at the TENWEST Festival, Sunday, October 20th, 5pm

Testamonials

“Attending Tócalo Tucson is a great way for percussionists to go deep into Chamber music and your own musicianship, and to work closely with dedicated musicians and composers! What a treat for your music making!!”

Anders Astrand

Guest Artist, 2019

“It was an honor to participate in the 2018 Tócalo Tucson summer chamber percussion seminar. It was a fun week of immersion into the world of percussion music, under the beautiful southwest sun, including an amazing nature hike in the Sonora Desert. Performing in the finale concert along with Morris and Casey Cangelosi in a program of wonderfully engaging music, and sharing in the positive spirit displayed by each and every participant, was a special treat. The Tócalo Tucson experience was without a doubt time well spent.”

Bill Cahn

Guest Artist, 2018

“…such an easy recommendation to make – check out Tocalo Tucson!”

Casey Cangelosi

Guest Artist, 2018

“Tócalo Tucson – Great students, great facilities, and a great host. Don’t miss the next one!” 

Bob Becker

Guest Artist, 2019

“TT offers a valbuable chance for emerging composers to work closely with talented musicians on newly commissioned pieces. Composers’ works are rehearsed extensively and performed in a world-class concert. The whole experience is energetic and professional while also aoffering ample time to discuss music, hang out with new friends, and experience and beautiful natural surroundings of Arizona.

A diverse mix of faculty from the the world offered a wide breadth of knowledge to the participants, and everyone worked together to achiece the best musical outcome. Morris and his staff created an incredibly effective and well-produced festival – a must experience event for young composers and percussionists.”

Matthew Burtner

Guest Artist, 2019