A Chicago native, Thomas Ridgway is a Young Steinway Artist who has performed throughout the United States, Russia, Italy, and Austria as a soloist and chamber musician. He is widely recognized for his passionate and expressive interpretations.
In addition to performing concerti with several orchestras, Thomas has worked with distinguished artists such as Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Emanuel Ax, and Stephen Hough. He has participated in prestigious festivals including Pianofest in the Hamptons, the Chigiana International Festival in Siena, Italy, the Chautauqua Piano Institute, and the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Thomas has been featured in prominent concert series, including the Coral Ridge Concert Series in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s Rising Artist Series, where he performed both solo and chamber recitals as a guest artist. He has also appeared live on Chicago’s WFMT’s Introductions in an hour-long interview and performance.
A dedicated and active musician, Thomas is deeply involved in the Phoenix metroplex community, where he gives concerts and teaches privately. As a versatile collaborator, he frequently performs with a wide range of ensembles, including strings, winds, brass, and mixed chamber groups. He has also performed as an orchestra pianist and as part of wind ensembles and symphonic orchestras.
Passionate about contemporary music, Thomas has worked extensively with new music ensembles, tackling some of the most demanding repertoire of the modern era. His performances include works by Pierre Boulez, Luciano Berio, Harrison Birtwistle, and Olivier Messiaen. He has also participated in the PRISMS Festival at Arizona State University, where he performed Boulez’s Sur Incises.
In addition to his work as a performer, Thomas is an active composer, particularly in the field of electroacoustic music.
Thomas completed his doctorate at Arizona State University in December 2025, studying with Dr. Baruch Meir. He was awarded the Alice & Peter Buseck Piano Scholarship—a full scholarship recognizing his excellence in performance. Previously, he attended Southern Methodist University, earning a Performer’s Diploma under Dr. Carol Leone. He has received full-tuition scholarships at ASU, SMU, Northwestern University (M.M., studying with Alan Chow and Boris Slutsky), and Vanderbilt University (B.M., studying with Dr. Craig Nies) in recognition of his dedication to performance and academic achievement.
Homeschooled until his college years, Thomas studied with Patricia Windt, a teacher who deeply influenced his love of music, curiosity for repertoire, and passion for composition.
Outside of music, Thomas enjoys spending time in nature, appreciating trees, animals, and geology. He also has a strong interest in maps, visual art, and classic literature. Additionally, he takes pleasure in collecting rare and unusual editions of musical scores.