T.J. Troy combines an eclectic knowledge of percussion from around the world with his innate musicality to create a distinct and powerful voice in the world of contemporary percussion. Be it as a member of many high caliber ensembles, a soloist or with the numerous artists he collaborates with, T.J. has established himself as one of the most multi-faceted and sought after percussion artists in Los Angeles.
T.J. performs regularly in a number of ensembles around the Los Angeles area. He is principal percussionist for MESTO, the Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra, a group specializing in the classical repertoire of the Middle East, especially the music of Mohammed Abd’ul Wahhab and his contemporaries from the second half of the 20th century. In the ensemble Partch, T.J. is the champion of the giant bass marimba, while also contributing as a vocalist to the lush and exotic soundscape that is Harry Partch’s world. T.J. also performs in The Shpil, a quintet whose repertoire draws from traditional klezmer, Balkan, and other Eastern European folk traditions; March 2011 saw the release of The Shpil’s self-titled debut album. With these and many other ensembles, T.J. has appeared at some of the most prestigious festivals of music around the world, including the Sounds of Arabia Festival (UAE 2010), the International Book Fair (Mexico 2009), the Territoria Festival (Russia 2008), the 16th Arabic Music Conference (Egypt 2007), and the Jerash Festival of Arts (Jordan 2007).
As a composer, T.J.’s writes for several different groups, including the Freshly Squeezed Music Ensemble (FSME), a chamber group whose repertoire draws from classical, contemporary, and world music traditions; February 2011 saw the release of “Roads 3,” the third volume of T.J.’s “Roads” series, cataloging his creative journey as a composer. T.J.’s latest project, Run Downhill, just recently saw the release of their debut EP, “Giants.” An active performer and composer for television and film, he was awarded the Gaia Award from the Moondance International Film Festival, for his score to Den Serras' film, "Seven Swans," co-written with composer Leon Rothenberg. His compositions have been performed by the University of Michigan Creative Arts Orchestra, the CalArts Percussion Ensemble, the Citrus College Percussion Ensemble, Condensation, OK Composer, and Freshly Squeezed.
A dedicated educator, he has taught classes and workshops at the California Institute of the Arts, La Sierra University, the Oakwood School, the Academy of Creative Education (ACE), Bethesda Christian University, and served as the percussion department coordinator at Citrus College.
T.J. received his Bachelor of Music degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan, and his Master of Fine Arts degree, specializing in Percussion, from the California Institute of the Arts. His principle instructors have been Michael Udow, Julie Spencer, David Johnson, John Bergamo, Randy Gloss, Faisel Zedan, Houman Pourmedhi, and he continues his study of North Indian tabla with Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. Currently stationed in Los Angeles, T.J. has performed extensively around the world, and maintains a rigorous performance schedule throughout the year.