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

Awards & Recognition
Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded by "Euro Casting" (Italy).
Legend Music Award
Nominated for the international "Legend Music Award".
Best Cover Band
Deutscher Rock Preis.
Best Drummer
Deutscher Rock Preis – Best Drummer.
Single "Funky Donkey"
Gold Disc status in Italy. The press calls him the "Chief of Groove".
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:
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: