Tomáš Zelený is a Czech drummer and musician originally from the Šumava region. His passion for music emerged at an early age, shaped primarily by his family environment. A profound influence on his musical direction came through his friendship with his first teacher, Jiří Novák, who imparted the most vital lesson of all: the ability to transcend the instrument for the sake of the music itself.
After high school, his first steps led him to the Jaroslav Ježek College in Prague. He subsequently continued his studies at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts (JAMU) in Brno under the tutelage of Jiří Levíček and Kamil Slezák. A pivotal experience came during his studies at the University of North Texas (USA), where he became an active part of the local music scene and honed his skills under the guidance of educators such as Frederick Sanders, Steve Pruitt, and arranger Rich DeRosa.
He has further broadened his musical education by attending masterclasses and workshops led by world-renowned musicians, including Michael League, Peter Erskine, Mark Lettieri, and Joanna Teters.
Currently, he is completing his Master’s degree at the Music and Dance Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts (HAMU) in Prague. As a highly sought-after sideman, he performs with a diverse array of ensembles, ranging from intimate chamber jazz groups to big bands. His playing is distinguished by a strong emphasis on melody, rhythmic fluidity, and a capacity for spontaneous musical interaction, seamlessly blending technical precision with a profound respect for both tradition and modern approaches. In addition to the drums, he also plays the piano, notably collaborating with Anna Coufalová on the Ilumino project.
