Biography

Thomas Steele is a Canadian saxophonist, composer, arranger and music educator based in Toronto, Ontario.

As a saxophonist, Thomas has studied with the worlds finest jazz artists, including Vincent Herring, Kelly Jefferson, Mike Murley, Christine Jensen and Nick Biello. Thomas has performed across Canada in a variety of small and large jazz ensembles, and has performed alongside international stars including Andrew Rathbun, Tim Hagans, Tara Davidson, Rich Brown and Ernesto Cervini.  Thomas has been featured in the TD Niagara Jazz Festival, Toronto TU Jazz Festival, Etobicoke Jazz Festival, Rhythms International Music Festival and Humber Next Generation Jazz Festival amongst others. Thomas has released two albums as a bandleader, “The Bends” in 2019 and “10Tet” in 2021, and can be found performing regularly as a bandleader, pit musician, or a sideman.

Aside from his work as a jazz saxophonist, Thomas is a highly-regarded composer and arranger, known both for his large and small ensemble works. Thomas’ compositions have been featured on his two studio albums and heard on radio stations worldwide. Thomas frequently writes commissioned compositions and arrangements for school music programs, professional ensembles and other musical engagements. Thomas’ compositions and arrangements are informed by his studies with artists including Christine Jensen, David Occhipinti and Terry Promane.

An avid educator, Thomas is a private lessons instructor, assistant director with the community music organization Durham Jazz, teacher with the Durham District School Board and staff member at the Durham Integrated Arts Camp. He has previously held teaching positions at the University of Toronto FMUA and the Oshawa Arts Resource Centre.

Thomas received his Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto, completing a dual major in music education and jazz studies with a minor in history. During his time there, Thomas was a member of the school’s flagship ensemble, the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra, and studied under Kelly Jefferson, Tara Davidson, Andrew Downing and David Occhipinti amongst others. Thomas also holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University where he specialized in grades seven to twelve instrumental music education.