Engaging Audiences Through Percussion
Whether performing or teaching, Layton Hiebert brings the same fresh energy. Growing up in the plains of Southern Alberta, Layton brings a different background and approach to his engagements, adjusting to each audience. Through thoughtful programming, blistering virtuosity, and deep discussion, Layton engages the audience by meeting them where they currently are. Ultimately, Layton's goal is to show the variety in percussion repertoire, spreading this music to new crowds around the globe. With international performance experience across North America, Europe with the World Percussion Group, and Asia, Layton offers the international standard in his performance and education.
Testimonials
Tim Palmer - Artistic Director, World Percussion Group
"Layton was an outstanding artist throughout the WPG programme. He was consistently professional, reliable, and a rock solid member of the ensemble, particularly in YARA. An exceptional marimba player, he also showcased impressive versatility, with his perfomance in Variations on a Theme by Paganini demonstrating real panache and confidence on the xylophone. I recommend him without hesitation."
Adam Mason - Director of Percussion, University of Lethbridge
"Layton possesses the rare combination of professional talent, unstoppable work ethic and a positive attitude. To his colleagues and conductors, he is a joy to work with and play aside. He is a consummate professional that never fails to bring brilliant insight and creativity, musical development, passion, and tireless preparation to any project.
Performance Videos
Etude in f# minor, Pius Cheung
One of my favorite pieces in the modern solo repertoire, by a composer that finds his way on almost all of my solo programs. Pius Cheung's etude in f# minor is truly a masterpiece for marimba. "On an artistic level, this piece to me is searching for answers by reflecting within oneself. There are no concrete questions being asked, but only attempts at capturing the innate human instinct to want to ask the question, ‘why?’" - Pius Cheung
WPG 2026 Rhythm & Pulse Challenge (First Prize Winner)
In the summer of 2025, the World Percussion Group ran an online competition called the Rhythm & Pulse Challenge. This competition required learning a snare drum solo with tape, but leaving instrumentation open to creativity. After much experimentation, I arranged the piece for multi percussion and ended up winning a STUNNING Pearl Philharmonic Aluminum Snare Drum for the first prize! Thank you WPG & Pearl Drums!
YARA - Matias Azpurua (WPG 2026)
An electrifying piece for maraca soloist (performed here by Juan Sebastian Sanchez) and percussion ensemble . YARA demands blazing virtuosity on all parts, and was an absolute blast to perform during the World Percussion Group 2026 tour.
Past Events
Centric MusicFest - Marimba Magic with Layton Hiebert (solo concert)
Saturday, July 4th – Festival Square, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Drum Stew - Engaging Your Audience Through Open Improvisation (drum set clinic)
Thursday, April 23rd - University of Zagreb - Zagreb, Croatia
Friday, April 17th - Conservatoire de Caen - Caen, France
Wednesday, April 15 - Conservatorio Superior De Musica De Vigo - Vigo, Spain
World Percussion Group 2026 Showcase Concert
Friday, April 10th - Conservatorio Profesional De Musica De Bilbao - Bilbao, Spain
Sunday, April 12th - Escola Superior De Musica De Lisboa - Lisbon, Portugal
Tuesday, April 14th - Escola Superior De Musica e Artes Do Espetaculo - Porto, Portugal
Wednesday, April 15 - Conservatorio Superior De Musica De Vigo - Vigo, Spain
Wednesday, April 22 - Franz Liszt Academy of Music - Budapest, Hungary
Thursday, April 23rd - University of Zagreb - Zagreb, Croatia
Friday, April 24th - University of Ljubljana - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tuesday, April 28th - Haute Ecole Des Arts du Rhin, CRR Strasbourg - Strasbourg, France
Thursday, April 30th - Staatliche Hochschule Fur Musik Und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart - Stuttgart, Germany
Monday, May 4th - Conervatoire Maurice Ravel Paris 13E, in collaboration with CRR de Paris - Paris, France
Let’s collaborate!
Whether you are looking for new guest artist, a genre bending concert, or a soloist for your orchestra, Layton is here to deliver!
