"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-Nietzsche
My mentors include some of Canada’s foremost drummers: Mark Kelso, Aldo Mazza, Bob McLaren, Alan Hetherington, and Paul Delong. I have attended countless workshops and masterclasses with many of the modern masters of drumset and percussion. Drummers who most inspire me include Levon Helm, Jim Keltner, Steve Jordan, Jay Bellerose, Brian Blade and Elvin Jones. I have a diploma in Jazz Performance (Humber, Toronto) and a Bachelor of Arts degree (UBC, Vancouver).
I create music in many genres. I explore music traditions from different periods in history and different places on Earth. I am a thoughtful performer who seeks to connect with the audience and my fellow musicians. The minimalism of a solid groove; the creativity and freedom of improvisation; and the joy of sound are what draw me to music.
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add,
but when there is nothing left to take away.”
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
From 2007 to 2014 I was a member of a Vancouver-based band called Maria in the Shower. We were musical brothers, on the road and touring North America as a way of life. We performed more than 600 shows together and worked with many amazing artists along the way.
From 2014 to 2019 I worked steadily in musical theatre, film, and television, mostly in Vancouver but occasionally on tours right across Canada.
As with everyone in the performing arts sector, the global shutdown in 2020 meant that I was suddenly out of a job. I was thankful to get a position at a college in Vancouver. Now it's 2024 and I'm balancing part-time hours at the college with part-time hours as a performing musician.
That means only about 50 shows a year, half of those in Vancouver and the rest on various short tours around Canada.
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible, is music.”
-Aldous Huxley
CONTACT
Email: tbiffard (at) gmail (dot) com
I am available for performing, recording, composing, touring.
I have experience in a wide range of styles.
I am currently based in Vancouver.
“I would teach children music, physics and philosophy;
but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music
and all the arts are the keys of learning.”
-Plato
TEACHING
I offer lessons to drummers of all ages and abilities. In addition to drumset, I teach Scottish-style rudimental snare drumming.
Visit www.vancouverdrumlessons.com for more information.
If you are a school music teacher, please visit my workshops page for information about in-class education programs.
“Beauty of style and harmony and grace and
good rhythm depend on Simplicity.”
-Plato
CREDITS AND AWARDS