Tommy Igoe is a drummer, bandleader, educator, and author whose career spans performance, instruction, and composition. He began playing drums before age two and later studied classical piano, drumline, and percussion while winning numerous competitions in his youth.
Igoe has an extensive performance and sideman career, including work on three Grammy Award–winning recordings and major appearances with artists such as Stanley Jordan, Art Garfunkel, Lauryn Hill, Dave Grusin, New York Voices, Patti Austin, David Wilcox, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. He also wrote the drum set book for Disney’s Broadway production of The Lion King, where he served as principal drummer and associate conductor.
As a bandleader, Igoe created and leads The Birdland Big Band, a weekly residency at New York’s legendary Birdland Jazz Club, and the Tommy Igoe Groove Conspiracy, a large ensemble based in San Francisco. He is also President of Deep Rhythm Music, a recording studio, publishing arm, and record label.
Education has long been a central focus of Igoe’s work. He created the influential Groove Essentials series and other instructional books and DVDs — including Getting Started on Drums, Great Hands for a Lifetime, and Groove Essentials 2.0 — which have become staples in drum education worldwide. He offers one‑on‑one instruction and consultation, and conducts clinics and masterclasses globally.
Gear:
Yamaha drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, and Remo drumheads.
Sources: Tommy Igoe official website, Yamaha USA, JazzTimes, Drumeo, Tommy Igoe gear page, Tommy Igoe education page
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Update 1/18/26