Educational Background/Training

• BM American University
• MM Catholic University
• Additional studies at Peabody Conservatory
• Jazz Drum Study with Joe Morello
• World Percussion Study with Glen Velez, Trichy Sankaron, Frank Malabe, Yucab Addy

About the Artist/Ensemble

Tom Teasley is an award-winning composer, sound designer, and multi-instrumentalist whose work spans solo percussion, live film soundtracks, immersive installations, and audio-visual art. Described by The Washington Post as “a musical wizard and multi-instrumental genius,” he is known for his genre-defying fusion of global musical traditions with cutting-edge technology, creating deeply engaging sonic experiences that expand the expressive possibilities of solo percussion.

His work draws inspiration from Middle Eastern frame drumming, West African rhythmic traditions, Indian tala cycles, jazz improvisation, and contemporary electronic textures. Through performance and pedagogy, he integrates these influences into a practice grounded in respect, curiosity, and innovation.

Tom has traveled the world as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Department of State, receiving five Fulbright-Hays Awards and presenting historic performances in Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem, Oman, Bahrain, and many other regions. He has also toured extensively throughout Europe and South America. These international experiences profoundly inform his global perspective in both teaching and performance.

In addition to his concert work, Tom has built a prolific career as a composer and performer for theater, earning three Helen Hayes Awards for sound design and theatrical production. He was also named World Percussionist of the Year by Drum! Magazine in recognition of his artistic excellence and influence.

Tom has released multiple albums and EPs, available on major streaming platforms and CD, and authored An American Approach to World Percussion, a book and companion DVD documenting his hybrid Western and world percussion teaching methods through practical examples and exercises

Tom’s workshops are highly interactive, emphasizing hands-on exploration and improvisation. His performances actively engage audiences through spoken context, talkbacks, and shared insights from his travels, research, and creative process. Whether in a concert hall, classroom, or sacred space, he seeks to ignite the imagination and invite deeper listening, connection, and creative discovery.

Educational Program Description

Global Rhythms

Students are introduced to global rhythmic traditions from the Middle East, Africa, Pan-America, and India, exploring how these forms connect and can merge with contemporary rhythms.

Participants develop rhythmic awareness through stepping in time, body percussion, and call-and-response exercises. Foundational hand-drum techniques—bass, open, and slap tones—are taught and applied in interactive drumming exchanges. Students also recite South Indian rhythmic syllables (solkattu), practice rhythmic coordination with egg shakers, and experiment with improvisation.

Workshops are highly interactive and adaptable in complexity, making them appropriate for first-time participants, band and choral students seeking greater rhythmic precision, and community groups interested in collaborative music-making.

Technical Requirements

Programming can be tailored to meet participant needs, with adjustable levels of complexity for choral, music, and dance students.

Audiences

• All Ages