~ Biography...

   He started drumming at age 10, honed his artistry in high school big bands and experimental jazz combos, and has blossomed into one of the country's most innovative and sought-after young drummers.
After completing his B.Mus in Jazz Studies 98’ Tyler continued to enhance his drumming skills attending the North Texas Drumset Camp, studying with legendary instructor Ed Soph. After that Tyler went on scholarship to the University of Colorado (Boulder) and completed his Masters Degree in Jazz Performance/Pedagogy 2006’.
   Hornby has become a gifted composer by expanding his musical tastes, studying the craft with Grammy Award winning pianist Chip Stephens, and immersing himself in the work of other great players from all over the planet. His list of collaborators is wide and wealthy, including Bob Mintzer, Ingrid Jensen, Wycliffe Gordon, Frank Mantooth, Alain Caron, Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Tom Harrell, Jiggs Whigham, Irvin Mayfield, James Carter, Brad Goode, Chip Stephens, Hugh Fraser, Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Shelly Berg, Ralph Bowen, Maciek Grzywacz (with a 2007 Polish Music Award nomination for their collaboration), Maciej Sikala, Piotr Lemanczyk, Pat Bianchi, John Gunther, Ken Walker, Phil Dwyer, Mike Murley, David Braid, Joel Miller, Campbell Ryga, Jeff Johnston, Brad Turner, Victor Goines, Kirk MacDonald, Jens Lindemann, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.
   Hornby has performed at festivals, clubs and concerts in North America, South America and Europe, and has appeared on more than 30 recordings. His first solo album, a critically acclaimed exploration of post bop released in 2005 called Shadows of a Brighter Day, was selected for a National Jazz Compilation called Dig Your Roots. His newest record, A Road to Remember was nominated for a 2011 WCMA for Best Jazz Recording of the Year, and is a testament to his continuing evolution as a musician, delving into the free-flowing textures of groove, swing and ECM jazz.
In addition to working with his own group Hornby is also the drummer for Johanna Sillanpaa, Sillan & Young, and the Poland/Canada Jazz Trio Sikala/Lemanczyk/Hornby. He has served as composer and musical director on a handful of live productions including; the children’s show ‘More Rocky Mountain Fairy Tales’ University of Calgary Dance Department ‘Senses’ and ‘Why Dance to the Power of One’, and the music theatre show ‘Sex Over 40’.
   Tyler is an instructor for the Mount Royal University Jazz Diploma Program and the Mount Royal University Summer Jazz Camp, teaching drum set, jazz history, and combo jazz. He has developed clinics and workshops in Canada, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United States, and Venezuela, and is the founder and director of the Drumset Educational Camp (MRU) held annually in August.

Awards / Nominations

2011   - WCMA nomination: Best Jazz Recording - Tyler Hornby - A Road to Remember  

2009
    -  Tyler Hornby ‘Galaxie Rising Star Award of Radio Canada’ nomination – Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
    -  Tyler Hornby ‘General Motors Grand Jazz Award’ nomination - Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
    -  Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards nomination: Best Group Sillan & Young – Under My Feet

2008
    -  WCMA nomination: Best Jazz Recording - Rubim de Toledo - The River

2007
    -  Dig Your Roots, selected for National Jazz Compilation CD - Shadows of a Brighter Day
    -  Poland nomination: Jazz Album of the Year: Maciek Grzywacz Quartet Featuring Tyler Hornby

2006
    -  WCMA nomination: Best Jazz/Blues Recording Richie Pollack - Stew

2005
    -  UNC Jazz Festival: Top Drummer Award