tony-priest

Tony Priest

Tony Priest

Tony Priest

Anthony (Tony) Priest, initially began studying percussion with Australian drum master Brian Czempinski at the age of 12. In 2006, he studied a BA in Music Performance (jazz and contemporary) at the Box Hill Institute. Tony has now paved a career as a professional drummer and percussionist across genres; country, jazz and rock, touring regularly in Australia and South East Asia. Tony was the drummer on Vincent Elt’s single – Please, for BBC radio (UK). In 2006-07, Tony embarked on MTV Australian tour with bands, OneOdd and Cky (US), including performance with Nashville based artist, Ainsley Diaz (US).

Now, as the drummer for afrobeat band, Alárìíyá, he has performed with Keziah Jones (UK/NG) and supported D’Banj (NG) at the 2015 Nigerian Independence Day celebration. Tony has multiple years of experience facilitating workshops; including 2 years in the corporate sector running workshops for Drum Circle Events and as a private drumming tutor. He is currently teaching percussion in ensembles and workshops at secondary schools across Melbourne. Tony has been with Alárìíyá since 2014 and brings a wealth of knowledge and networks with more than 12 years of professional engagement in the music industry and 8 years in the teaching sector.