Tom Palmer received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Delaware and his Master's of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of The Arts in Philadelphia. He studied drumset with Terry Silverlight, Frank Malabe and Kenwood Dennard at the Drummers Collective in NYC. Tom teaches in the University of Delaware's Jazz Program as director of Jazz Ensembles I and II as well as drumset and piano instructor. He is on the faculty of the UD Community Music School. Tom is a member of the UD Faculty Jazz Ensemble.

Mr. Palmer stays busy performing on drumset and piano with various jazz groups including his own instrumental trio, a quartet with his wife, vocalist, Ellen Lebowitz, their popular dance band, "Lavender", as well as big bands, theater and symphony orchestras.

Tom has performed with many jazz artists including Ernie Watts, Robin Eubanks, Herb Ellis, Donald Byrd and local pianist and composer, Don Glanden. He has appeared at The Kennedy Center, Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia and Wilmington, in various jazz festivals including Wilmington's Jazz in the Village, The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and The Rehoboth Jazz Festival. Mr. Palmer has also performed on many occasions with the Baltimore Symphony.

Mr. Palmer's recording credits include The Baltimore Symphony, Royal Palm Steel Band, Paul Scherer, Don Glanden's CD featuring Ernie Watts, Shawn Quaissanee, and Ellen Lebowitz's CD's, "Invitation to Yesterdays" and "Smokin' Aloud."

Tom is an active member of the International Association for Jazz Education. He currently is serving as President of the Delaware Chapter.