B i o g r a p h y
Described as "extraordinarily talented" by Houston Public Media, Tomás is a highly sought-after pianist and composer in the DFW and Houston music scenes. He is a regular in the studio and is known for his ability to perform with any lineup, in any genre, for any audience. Tomás has performed or recorded with celebrated artists including Benny Benack III, Ulysses Owens, Jr., Miguel Zenón, Jane Monheit, Michael Dease, Rodney Whitaker, Michael League, Reuben Rogers, Laila Biali, Scott Tixier, Caity Gyorgy, Quincy Davis, Brad Leali, Nick Finzer, Darmon Meader, and Lynn Seaton. He is also comfortable providing music for corporate events, weddings, and private parties (among other venues). Tomás is available for booking as a solo pianist, and can also lead and coordinate the perfect ensemble for your needs, whether it be a piano trio, jazz combo, or an intimate duet with a singer. He also has extensive experience in church music, serving in traditional choral, Black Gospel, and CCM services for many years. His service at the Fountain of Praise has infused his playing with a gospel sensibility that is uncommon for a classically trained musician.
In November of 2019, Tomás made his international debut with Jubilate Deo (EP), a multigenre suite available on all platforms. Featuring 22 different instrumental parts and exploring 4 different genres, Jubilate Deo was recorded at the nationally recognized Lucky Run Studios in Houston. His next release was Nocturne for Piano and Strings, which he recorded at Stude Concert Hall with talented friends from the Shepherd School of Music. In June of 2021, he accompanied legendary chanteuse Jane Monheit and veteran trombone player Michael Dease at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium. In February of 2022, he released his debut album, First Impressions, exclusively compromised of original compositions, recorded, mixed, and mastered totally independently. He looks forward to releasing two original songs with star guest vocalists from Canada and New York, accompanied by his trio.
Tomás has studied music for more than 17 years and has earned recognition for his abilities in classical piano, jazz piano, and composition. In 2022, he graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music (Classical Piano Performance) under the guidance of Brian Connelly. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies at UNT under the guidance of Dave Meder.
Selected Recent Achievements:
2023: 1st Place, Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition
2021: Pianist in Brevard Jazz Institute's Top Ensemble
2019 Pianist in UNT Jazz Workshop's Top Ensemble
2019 Scored Lil' Hybrids, an animated film that won a Bronze (3rd Place) Remi Award at WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival
2018 Pauling Piano Competition, 1st Place
2018 All-State Jazz Piano, 2nd Place in Texas
2017 TMTA Piano Concerto Competition, 3rd Place
2016 Forum Young Artist Competition, 1st Place
2016 MTNA Composition Competition, 2nd Place in Texas
2015 TMTA Solo Piano Competition, 1st Place
Works in Progress:
Bitter Suite (1. Ocurencias 2. The In-Between Blues. 3. Last Night in Tunisia), a suite for jazz combo exploring the guajira, the blues, and an original groove in 11/8.
