Tobias Ralph

Tobias Ralph is a New York City–based drummer, percussionist, and educator with a career spanning over three decades. A child prodigy, he began playing drums at age four and quickly gained recognition, winning the first Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship while attending Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music and the Performing Arts. He went on to study at Berklee College of Music, where he was the first recipient of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist award, and at The Collective School of Music under notable instructors including Kim Plainfield, Pete Zeldman, Frank Katz, Fred Klatz, and Frankie Malabo. Tobias has toured and recorded with a wide array of artists such as Defunkt, The Screaming Headless Torsos, Nena, Adrian Belew’s Power Trio, Tony C and the Truth, and many others, performing across genres from jazz and funk to rock and pop. His performance credits include Broadway shows like Movin’ Out and Rock of Ages, as well as appearances at the Montreal Drumfest, Percussive Arts Society, and prestigious venues like The Joyce Theater and Lincoln Center.

At Sound Collective, Tobias brings decades of international touring and studio experience to his students. He specializes in drum technique, rudiments, groove, funk, jazz, rock, and drum’n’bass, with a teaching style that emphasizes versatility, musicality, and creativity. Students learn to master their instruments for both live performance and studio recording, gaining insights from his work with artists across genres, Broadway, and dance productions. Tobias continues to give clinics, masterclasses, and workshops nationwide, demonstrating advanced techniques and fostering the next generation of professional drummers.