Session Percussionist & Multi-Instrumentalist | Tsoof Baras
Tsoof Baras is a highly versatile session percussionist in Brisbane and a multi-instrumental performer known for blending technical precision with a deep, global rhythmic vocabulary. As a graduate and current sessional tutor at the Queensland Conservatorium, Tsoof has built a reputation as a “first-call” Brisbane session musician for those who require more than just a timekeeper. His work spans the orchestral pit, the recording studio, and the international stage, making him a premier choice for professional percussion services in Australia and beyond.
A Specialized Musical Theatre Percussionist
In the demanding world of live theatre, Tsoof has proven himself as a reliable and intuitive musical theatre percussionist. His portfolio includes some of the most prestigious productions to tour Australia, having played for the Australian companies of HAMILTON, Mary Poppins, Cinderella, and MAMMA MIA!.
Whether navigating the complex, multi-instrumental setups of a modern Broadway score or providing the foundational pulse for a classic operetta like The Pirates of Penzance, Tsoof approaches every production with a “theatre-first” mindset. He understands that the role of a sessional percussionist in the pit is to support the narrative, maintain flawless synchronization with the conductor, and execute rapid instrument changes with total composure. This reliability is why he is a top choice for musical theatre percussion in Queensland.
The Ethereal Art of the Handpan Performer
Beyond the traditional drum kit or orchestral station, Tsoof is a dedicated handpan performer and a proud artist for Celestial Sound. The handpan offers a unique, melodic resonance that is increasingly sought after for cinematic soundtracks, ambient recordings, and wellness spaces.
Tsoof’s expertise as a handpan soloist allows him to offer a specialized layer of professional percussion services that few others can provide. He has performed in diverse settings—from yoga retreats and healthcare environments to high-concept recording sessions—proving that a session percussionist can provide melodic beauty just as effectively as rhythmic drive.
Global Rhythms: West African Percussion & Beyond
Tsoof’s rhythmic foundation is deeply rooted in traditional world music. His passion for West African percussion has brought him to study with renowned griots Mohamed Bangoura, Namory Keita, Epizo Bangoura, Adama Doumbouya and Bassidi Kone, travelling to Guinea to learn at the source.
This immersion into the Djembe and Dundun traditions allows him to bring an authentic, earthy groove to any project.
This global perspective makes Tsoof an invaluable session drummer for hire for world-music ensembles and cross-genre collaborations. His work with QMA award-winning artists like MZAZA showcases his ability to weave Middle Eastern, Afro-Cuban, and African influences into contemporary arrangements. When a project calls for the raw energy of hand drumming or the intricate subdivisions of traditional rhythms, Tsoof delivers with cultural respect and technical mastery.
High-Impact Percussion Recording Sessions
In the studio, Tsoof is known for his efficiency and his vast “toy box” of percussive textures. During percussion recording sessions, he works closely with producers and songwriters to find the “missing frequency” in a track. While digital samples have their place, they cannot replicate the micro-timing, organic swing, and acoustic complexity of a live session musician.
From the crisp, driving snap of orchestral percussion to the subtle, shimmering textures of shakers and chimes, Tsoof provides high-fidelity tracks that breathe life into a mix. He is available for in-person sessions at Brisbane’s top studios or can provide high-quality remote percussion recording from his own dedicated studio space.
Education and Leadership: The Percussion Blueprint
Tsoof’s approach to performance is informed by his commitment to education. He is a percussion tutor at the Franciscan Colleges Instrumental Program, Somerville House, the Young Conservatorium Program and the Queensland Conservatorium (Griffith University) Undergraduate program.
As a sessional percussion tutor at the Queensland Conservatorium and Young Conservatorium, he stays at the cutting edge of percussion pedagogy. He is the author of How to Get Good and The Percussion Blueprint, two essential texts that deconstruct the mechanics of practice and performance.
This academic background ensures that he arrives at every percussion recording session or rehearsal with a disciplined, analytical approach. He doesn’t just play the notes; he understands the physics of the sound and the history of the instrument. This expertise is why he is sought out for orchestral percussion roles with ensembles like the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Southern Cross Symphony, and Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.
Corporate Excellence with SoundStruck
As the director of the percussion group SoundStruck, Tsoof has extensive experience managing large-scale entertainment for corporate and sporting events. He has led performances for the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, SeaWorld Carnivale Aqua Light Show (2021-26), the Dolphins NRL team, and the Brisbane Broncos, demonstrating his ability to handle the logistics and pressure of major public appearances. This makes him a versatile percussionist for hire who can transition seamlessly from a quiet, intimate studio setting to a stadium-sized spectacle.
Booking a Professional Session Percussionist
Whether you are a musical director seeking a seasoned musical theatre percussionist, a producer in need of a session drummer for hire, or an event coordinator looking for a world-class handpan performer, Tsoof Baras offers a unique blend of classical training and global soul.
His commitment to the craft, combined with his extensive professional credits, ensures that your project will have a world-class rhythmic foundation. Contact Tsoof Baras today to discuss your upcoming recording, performance, or production needs.
Ensembles
• MZAZA – Percussionist – 2024 – Present
• PanAlchemy – Percussionist (Handpan and Hand percussion) – 2023 – Present
• Viva la Musica – Drummer and Percussionist – 2022 – 2024
• El Camino Collective – Percussionist (Congas, Timbales and Drums)- 2024 – Present
• Hamsa – Drummer and Percussionist – 2022 – Present
• Shai Shriki Band – Drummer and Percussionist – 2020 – Present
• Menaka Thomas – Drummer, Percussionist, Guitar and Backing vocals – 2019 – Present
• SoundStruck – Director, Musical director, Composer and Percussionist – 2014 – Present
• The Stairwell Project: Musicians in Hospitals – Handpan – 2019 – 2024
• Talkin the Drum – Percussionist (Djembe and Dundun) – 2013 – Present
Musical Theatre Experience
• Pirates of Penzance – Percussion – Qld Performing Arts Centre – 2024
Produced by Prospero Arts
• The Singing Chefs and the Tub-thumping Orchestra – Brisbane City Hall – 2024
Produced by Viva La Musica and the Lord Mayor’s Children’s Program
• Mamma Mia – Percussion – Qld Performing Arts Centre – 2023
Produced by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers & Linda Bewick.
• Hamilton The Musical| Australia – Percussion Dep – Qld Performing Arts Centre – 2023
Produced by Michael Cassel Group
• Legally Blonde – Drums – San Damiano Centre – 2023
Produced by Padua and Mt Alvernia Colleges
• Mary Poppins – Drums and Percussion Dep – Qld Performing Arts Centre – 2022
Produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh
• Cinderella – Drums and Percussion Dep – Qld Performing Arts Centre – 2022
Produced by Opera Australia
• We Will Rock You – Drums – San Damiano Centre – 2021
Produced by Padua and Mt Alvernia Colleges
• Trevor Ashley Double D’s Show – Percussion – Qld Performing Arts Centre – 2019
Produced by Brisbane Festival
• George Michael: Listen to Your Heart at The Star – Percussion – The Star GC – 2019
• Redland Bay Carols By Candlelight – Percussion – Redland Showgrounds – 2019
Produced by Redland Bay City Council
