Meet Tom Donald

A passionate advocate for the use of chords and improvisation in all music learning. A champion of the struggling adult amateur and connecting them with their inner genius. Coaching musical transformations with countless students over the last two decades. A master teacher of “How to get into the zone”. A project manager who always over-delivers on the brief. Can bang heads together and bring difficult artistic, and cultural concepts to all ages and associations. Film score and concert pianist.

Tom Donald is a multifaceted Australian-born pianist, composer, and educator whose career has spanned classical, jazz, improvisation, and film composition. Born in the small town of Coonabarabran and raised in Tamworth, the country music capital of Australia, Donald’s musical journey began early. His first inspiration came from hearing Elton John, which led him to pursue songwriting and performing. By his teenage years, his interests expanded to classical giants such as Beethoven, Rachmaninov, and Chopin, and later to jazz luminaries like Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock.

Donald began performing professionally at 15, playing piano at a cocktail bar in Tamworth. This early exposure to live performance deeply influenced his philosophy on music education, favoring real-world experience over traditional piano exams as he was forced to learn on the job and rely on the main pillars of piano performance, rather than more abstract theoretical approaches that is sometimes found in traditional education.

After studying piano and composition at the Newcastle Conservatorium in New South Wales, Donald moved to London in the early 2000s. While most Australians return home after short stints in London, Donald found the city’s vibrant and eclectic music scene irresistible and has made it his home.

In 2011, Donald founded the London Contemporary School of Piano (LCSP), with a mission to revitalize piano education. Rejecting the rigidity of traditional piano exams, his teaching method emphasizes creativity, improvisation, and collaboration. His goal is to help students reconnect with the joy of music, whether they are beginners or returning to the piano after childhood lessons. Under his guidance, the LCSP has taught over 500 students from 25 countries and is partnered with the prestigious Blüthner Piano Centre in London.

Donald’s work as a performer has earned him a reputation for his improvisational flair, drawing comparisons to Keith Jarrett. He has performed in iconic venues such as Abbey Road Studios and The Shard in London, where his concerts—often a mix of classical, jazz, and improvisational styles—have been highly praised.

His performances are known for their spontaneity, allowing the music to evolve organically, and this improvisational spirit extends into his teaching and collaborations​.

Donald is also an accomplished composer. His film scores include collaborations with Middle Eastern filmmakers and socially conscious projects like “Leaving Baghdad”, which won the Best Independent Film at the Raindance Film Festival.

His compositions for the Citizens of the World Choir, which he co-founded in 2017, reflect his commitment to using music for social good. This choir, comprised of refugees and locals, aims to bridge societal divides through the unifying power of music.

In addition to his work in contemporary piano and social music projects, Donald has explored the contemplative power of music. His collaboration with the Benedictine Monks of Pluscarden Abbey, culminating in the 2023 album “Pax Aeterna”, marries his love of improvisation with Gregorian Chant. This project reflects his interest in the spiritual and healing dimensions of music, a theme that runs throughout his career.

Donald’s career continues to evolve, reflecting his passion for pushing boundaries and exploring music’s potential for both personal expression and social impact. Through his performances, compositions, and innovative educational approaches, he has become a leading figure in contemporary piano music and an advocate for music’s ability to transform lives.