Bio

Thomas Linger is a multi-award-winning pianist and composer, widely acclaimed for his formidable technique, emotionally resonant playing, and inventive compositions that leave a lasting impression. Raised in the small Appalachian town of Waynesville, North Carolina, he developed a passion for improvisational music early on, captivated by its sense of freedom, immediacy, and personal expression. He later earned his degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

He first gained national recognition after winning first place in the American Jazz Pianist Competition and subsequently relocating to New York City. There, he studied with jazz legends and NEA Jazz Masters Barry Harris, George Coleman, and Fred Hersch—mentors who played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic voice. At age 26, he made his debut at The Village Vanguard with the Peter Bernstein Quartet.

In 2023, he was named one of five laureates of the American Piano Awards, widely regarded as the most prestigious jazz piano competition of its kind, with a grand prize valued at over $200,000. During this time, he also met and performed with three-time Grammy Award winner Cécile McLorin Salvant.

Now recognized as one of the most in-demand performers, composers, and educators in jazz, he has appeared at many of the music’s most iconic venues, including The Village Vanguard, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Dizzy’s Club, and has toured internationally. He also maintains longstanding residencies at New York City institutions such as Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, and Ornithology Jazz Club, performing both with his ensemble and as a solo pianist.

In addition to leading and producing his own projects, he is a highly regarded soloist and sought-after sideman. He has performed and recorded with many leading figures in jazz, including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Peter Washington, Peter Bernstein, Kenny Washington, Joe Farnsworth, Steve Nelson, Yasushi Nakamura, Brandon Lee, Joe Magnarelli, David Williams, Tyler Mitchell, Francisco Mela, and Terell Stafford, among others.

His debut album, Out In It, featuring eight original compositions and performances by Bernstein, Farnsworth, and Nakamura, received critical acclaim, reached the top of the JazzWeek charts, and earned praise from All About Jazz.