Andrew Toy

The audience can expect a friendly, professional, and intuitive drummer that can not just learn the music but come into a setting and provide the perfect part.

I began playing the drums at age 9 and since then I have been honing and applying those skills to musical groups of all types, from rock and pop to big band to world music to orchestral to small combos and everything in between.

Some career highlights so far:

In 2007, I embarked on a two and a half year gig with Princess Cruises as a show band drummer, and travelled the world on some of the world’s most modern ships while performing on stage over 1000 times.

In 2011, I joined renowned Celtic/Gypsy/Americana band Scythian, a band which tours extensively and is known for their energetic live show.

In 2013, I joined The Royal Noise, an exciting band that “forges an ebullient fusion of sinewy funk, gritty jazz, psychedelic rock and live hip-hop elements”.

In 2014, I toured the USA from coast to coast (Maryland to California and back) with Virginia-based rock ‘n’ roller Zach Bellas.

In 2016, I began writing and performing my own music for solo drumset/percussion/electronic.

I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to share the stage with many great musicians, such as: Chris Amott of Arch Enemy, Grammy Award winner Jim Lauderdale, Johnny Thunder of The Drifters, Jim Yester of The Association, Jeff Coffin of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Liberace protege Linda Gentille, Billy Richards of The Coasters, Jamila Ajibade of The Fifth Dimension, Australian rocker Roland Storm, Bob Denver protege Trevor Knight, Bob Allen of Sister Sledge, and many others. Other musicians have consistently commented on my solid feel, adaptability, and professionalism.

Musically and personally, I strongly feel that diversity and openness are key in a person’s development. As a performer, I feel that performing with musicians of different backgrounds is a constant source of inspiration and engaging music. As an educator, I emphasize the role of music as a form of expression and its parallel to verbal language. I encourage students to enjoy the music-making (and learning) process and to view mechanics as a means to their own creativity and expression.

In terms of drumming, I love anything that grooves, regardless of genre. Drummers that make odd rhythms sound comfortable and who are creative while serving the song are the types of drummers that excite me.

Besides drumming, I am an avid traveller and have visited over 70 countries (on all 7 continents!). I also enjoy photography, hiking, fishing, and reading.

Every gig is different so I can provide the right equipment for the occasion. I have an arsenal of drums, percussion, electronics, and a PA system.