Tom Kersey

Making music from the sound up

A luminary of the Tampa Bay music scene, Tom Kersey is a versatile composer, cellist, and multi-genre musician whose work bridges classical tradition with the adventurous spirit of jazz, rock, ambient, and experimental music. A skilled classical performer with a wide stylistic range, he appears in diverse settings - from concert halls to clubs - offering ensembles such as the Fibonacci Strings (duo, trio, or quartet), the harp-infused quartet Harpology, and his jazz (some say “experimental”) fusion band KELP, which blends original compositions with improvisation and jazz standards. Tom also creates immersive loop-pedal improvisations inspired by jazz, rock, ambient soundscapes, and Indian classical music. Whether performing, composing, or collaborating, he brings curiosity, imagination, and a deep commitment to musical expression that transcends genre.

CONTACT

email: tomkcello@gmail.com

text: (813) 784-4575 

The ensemble known as KELP, founded by Kersey in 2004, serves as a vehicle for Kersey’s compositions leaning towards jazz fusion and avant-garde styles. The art of improvisation is an integral component of the ensemble’s raison d’être, whose fluid personnel features some of the best musicians in the Tampa Bay area music scene.

The Fibonacci Strings, founded by Kersey and violinist Rebecca Zapen, is equally at home performing classical music, jazz, pop, bossa-nova, rock and other styles, and is available as a duo, trio, or quartet.

A consummate pedagogue with nearly two decades of experience, Mr. Kersey’s teaching style is a holistic approach integrating all aspects of musical study, including instrumental technique, music theory, ear training, improvisation, composition, kinesthetics, artistic interpretation and music history.

In every aspect of Tom’s artistic life, in any role he plays, his fundamental goal is always to humbly give joy, enthrallment, beauty and healing to the world through the power of music.