About

Described by The Washington Post as a “multi-instrumental genius,” Tom Teasley is a world percussionist, composer, and sound artist whose work bridges global traditions, jazz improvisation, and contemplative practice. A longtime cultural envoy for the U.S. Department of State, he has performed and taught throughout the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Tom creates intimate “sound sanctuaries” for living rooms and small halls—immersive listening experiences featuring handpan, frame drums, and a wide palette of acoustic percussion. He weaves in brief stories from his travels and the cultural roots of each instrument, shaping every set as a shared meditation in rhythm, tone, and silence.
A multiple Helen Hayes Award winner and DRUM! Magazine’s World Percussionist of the Year, Tom offers music as a space for presence, renewal, and connection.

Music

Tom’s performances draw from global percussion traditions, contemplative improvisation, and modern acoustic sound art. His repertoire includes original compositions and improvisations for handpan, frame drums, gongs, and mixed percussion, alongside influences from African, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Western classical traditions.
He is also the creator of The Art of the Duo, an intimate chamber collaboration series pairing percussion with flute, fiddle, trumpet, hammered dulcimer, and other acoustic instruments. These programs emphasize listening, space, and musical dialogue.
Whether solo or in duo settings, Tom weaves brief stories from his travels and the cultural roots of the instruments into each performance. Guided by the room and the audience, every concert becomes a shared exploration of rhythm, resonance, and connection. Performances are available as solo “Sound Sanctuary” programs or intimate acoustic duos.

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Programs

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