TonyLiotta
About Tony

Biography

Tony Liotta is a world-class Drums and Percussion professional – as a Musician, Producer, Vocal Coach and Music Director. For decades he has been sharing his knowledge as an Instructor.

Tony Liotta – Independent Drums & Percussion – is one of the most versatile and accomplished drummers on the international scene. Whether on stage or in the studio, his playing unites groove, energy and decades of experience. The press calls him the “Chief of Groove” and knows him as a “First Take Drummer”.

Tony Liotta grew up in New York and New Orleans and now lives in Germany. As an international touring musician he has been active in the music scene for over 50 years, enriching it with his unique grooves and sounds. At just ten years old he landed his first studio job – a production for “Young Generation”.

Alongside his work as a live and studio musician he is active as a Producer, Vocal Coach and Music Director. For many years he has taught at schools and universities, trained teachers, and given workshops worldwide – for beginners and advanced players aged 4 to 104.

Tony Liotta was head of the Drum and Percussion Department at the “Jam-Akademie” Cologne. He is co-founder of the “Glen Buschmann Jazz-Akademie”, where he served as long-standing head and examiner of the Drum and Percussion department.

His latest projects include the album “Visions” featuring two-time Grammy Award winner Jimbo Hart, the late Dr. John, Will Mc Farlane, Sly Dunbar, Michael X Machperson and irretrievable recordings of Eric Gale. He has played and recorded worldwide with artists such as Rocky Roberts, Kenny Arranoff, Steve Smith, Peter Maffay, Thomas Lang and many more.

Areas of Work

  • Musician (Live & Studio)
  • Producer
  • Vocal Coach
  • Music Director
  • Instructor
  • Author & Composer
Tony Liotta at the drum kit

Awards & Recognition

2016

Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded by "Euro Casting" (Italy).

2016

Legend Music Award

Nominated for the international "Legend Music Award".

2018

Best Cover Band

Deutscher Rock Preis.

2020

Best Drummer

Deutscher Rock Preis – Best Drummer.

2020

Single "Funky Donkey"

Gold Disc status in Italy. The press calls him the "Chief of Groove".

2021

Best Instrumental Album

Deutscher Rock Preis – CD "Colours Of Life" – a contemporary document of the art of drumming.

Tony Liotta Drumschool

The “Tony Liotta Drumschool” is the headquarters of MMI International Germany and the only German institution of this study programme. Lessons are tailored individually so you can reach your full potential and play like your idols.

Offerings: Drums & Percussion lessons, Home of Cajon (on current SELA Cajons), Vocal Coaching, Stage & Casting Show preparation, Band Training and Studio Production.

Angebote: Unterricht für Drums & Percussion, Home of Cajon (auf aktuellen SELA Cajons), Vocalcoaching, Vorbereitung für Bühne & Castingshows, Bandtraining und Studioproduktion.

MMI International

MMI is an international private study institution in Europe for training professional musicians and the leading music education system in Europe. Courses: Guitar, Keyboards, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Vocals, Drums & Percussion.

Qualifications: MMI Certificate (one year) or MMI Diploma (three years). MMI operates successfully in England, Portugal, Poland, Italy and the USA.

Collaborations with World-Renowned Musicians

Tony Liotta has played and recorded with an impressive list of world-renowned musicians – from legends like Rocky Roberts and Bernhard Purdie to modern artists:

Rocky Roberts
Bernhard Purdie
Kenny Arranoff
Gerald Albright
Kevin Moore
Michael Landau
Steve Lukather
David Garfield
Zoro
Ricardo Rebuglini
Mike Campbell
Santacaterina
Berkant Cakici
Rhani Lukas
Marc A. Walker
Steve Smith
Andrea De Paoli
Richard Barbieri
Dario Fochi
John C. Marshall (R.I.P.)
Krips
Peter Gallo
Carmine Appice
Cindy Blackman
Peter Maffay
Thomas Lang
Frank Kirchner
Tom Brechtlein
Christian Bollmann
Carlo Cori (R.I.P.)
John Rosenau
Earl Slick
and many more...

Endorsements & Partnerships

Tony Liotta is part of the family of many international companies. Leading manufacturers of drums, percussion, audio and music accessories trust his knowledge and expertise:

PAISTE Cymbals/Sounds/Gongs
RESPIGHI SIGNATURE Drums
WAHAN Trizoone Beater
K&M
ROMEA SIGNATURE Sticks
REMO Skins
MD Majid Drums
BEYERDYNAMIC
QSC PA Technik
SELA Cajon
KORG Wave Drum
SKYGEL
WALK ABOUT DRUM
VARIPHONE In Ears
RCF Audio
AHEAD ARMOR Cases
FAT CAT / MUSIC WEIN