Stephen Tolnay

he/him

drum set - piano - Jazz speciality

Approachable - conscientious - enthusiastic 

Welcome! I’ll pose to you the same question the great Elvin Jones would ask his students upon their arrival: how can I help you? 

Technical issues? Conceptual hang ups? How do you fit all the drums on a cart so you can get everything into the venue in one trip? No question too broad, none too trivial—your interests will be our guide.  I’m as excited to teach the casual beginner as I am the student with professional prospects.  There’s no product here, only process; you set the pace.  My goal is for you to have fun on the road to becoming the musician and person you’d like to be. 

Education 
Temple University ‘15
Bachelors in Jazz Performance 

Teaching Experience 
Home studio 2015-present
Musika NYC 2015-2016
George School Summer Camp
R&M Studio 2012

Performance 
15 years of professional playing.  I’ve worked as a sideman and as a leader in various clubs in Philadelphia and New York.  Musical pit work, wedding bands and various tours and recordings.