Tom Teasley

For Tom Teasley, music is more than performance—it is communication, connection, and shared experience across cultures and traditions.
Described by The Washington Post as "a musical wizard" and "a multi-instrumental genius," Teasley is an award-winning percussionist, composer, educator, and multimedia artist whose work bridges jazz, world music, contemplative sound, theater, silent film, and modern technology.
A former U.S. State Department Cultural Envoy, he has performed and taught in concert halls, universities, embassies, museums, theaters, and festivals throughout the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States. His career includes residencies at the Kennedy Center, collaborations with the National Symphony Orchestra, multiple Helen Hayes Awards for theater sound design, and recognition as Drum! Magazine's World Percussionist of the Year.
Equally at home on drum set, world percussion, handpan, and electronics, Teasley's performances move seamlessly between virtuosic improvisation, cinematic soundscapes, and meditative deep listening. His work reflects a lifelong belief that rhythm is a universal language capable of bringing people together across artistic and cultural boundaries.
Current projects include the internationally acclaimed duo Inner Play with trumpeter Dave Ballou, the contemplative handpan recording Handpan Illuminations, The Art of the Duo concert series, and live original scores for silent and avant-garde films.
Whether on the concert stage, in the classroom, or through immersive sound experiences, Tom Teasley continues to explore rhythm as a bridge between artistic innovation, human connection, and deep listening.
Learn more, explore recordings, and view upcoming performances at www.tomteasley.com.