Biography

Education
Claus Tofft took his first percussion lessons from the African percussionist Biboul Darouche. In 1987 he moved to the Netherlands to study at the Conservatories in Hilversum and Rotterdam. There he studied with Lucas van Merwijk, Jan Laurens Hartong, Steve Boston , Martin Verdonk and Nicky Marrero. He graduated 1994.

In 1994 he received a scholarship to study in New York at Boys Harbour, with teachers like Johnny Almendra, Jimmy Delgado, Luis Bauzo and Horacio Hernandez. In Havana Cuba, he studied with Miguel Anga Diaz and Mario Jauregui. He speaks and writes: Danish, Dutch , English and German.

Playing Experience
Since 1991 Claus played and performed with following National and International artists: Grupo Candombe, Surinam Music Ensemble , Nueva Manteca, New Cool Collective, Ruth Jacott, Willeke Alberti, Conextion Latina, Cubob City Big Band, Metropole Orchestra with Vince Mendoza, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Giovanca, Ilse De Lange , Guus Meeuwis,Joslyn Brown, Chaka Khan, Candy Dulfer, Hans Dulfer, Waylon, Alain Clark, Zuco 103, Kris Berry, Kuma Sanu

Bombay Connection Orchestra ,Jazzorchestra of the Concertgebouw w. Eddie Palmeri, Nicky Marrero, Larry Harlow. Peter Beets Latin Jazz Quartet,

Other groups Claus took part of, is the New Cool Collective and the New Cool Collective Big Band, eclectic Jazz dance orientated bands that played regularly at the North Sea Jazz festival, London Jazz Café and around Europe.

Musicals:
Tarzan, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, Zorro, On Your Feet, Lion King.

Commercials
Claus recorded soundtrack for commercials : KPN, Addidas, Mentos,among others. And he recorded the soundtrack for the dutch movie “ Alles is liefde”