Meet Thomas Tierney

A composer and lyricist working in New York City

Thomas Tierney is a renowned composer known for his prolific work in the realms of musical theater and film. From a young age, Tierney displayed a remarkable aptitude for music from a young age. His passion for composition led him to pursue formal training in music theory and piano performance, laying the foundation for his future success in the industry.

Throughout his career, Tierney has amassed a wealth of accolades and achievements. His compositions have graced the stages of numerous Broadway productions, captivating audiences with their emotive melodies and intricate harmonies. Beyond the realm of musical theater, Tierney has also made significant contributions to the world of film scoring, earning critical acclaim for his ability to enhance visual storytelling through music.

Tierney's distinct musical style is characterized by its versatility and ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. His works often blend traditional orchestration with modern influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. This unique fusion of musical elements has solidified Tierney's reputation as a trailblazer in the world of composition.

In addition to his creative endeavors, Tierney is also a dedicated mentor and educator. He has shared his expertise with aspiring musicians and composers, inspiring the next generation of talent to push the boundaries of musical expression.

As a living legend in the world of music, Thomas Tierney continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled creativity and passion for storytelling through sound. His enduring legacy serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire, console, and unite people from all walks of life.

Tierney composed the music for NARNIA, based on C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, which has played in The City of London Festival, Off-Broadway in New York, and in more than 1000 productions throughout the US, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. His Narnia Suite for symphony orchestra and four singers premiered at New York's Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. He wrote music and lyrics for Jungle Queen Debutante, produced for New York’s NYMF Festival and by Seattle’s Village Theatre. He contributed several songs (music and lyrics) for Off-Broadway’s Pets! and the music for The Dream Team (Goodspeed Opera) and Tommy Tune’s one-man musical, Ichabod (Boston and New York).

Another musical of Tierney’s, ELEANOR - An American Love Story, has played in many US theaters, including Ford’s Theatre in Washington (two Helen Hayes Awards), Chicago's Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Seattle’s Village Theatre (Issaquah, WA), the historic Barter Theatre in Virginia, and the Pittsburgh Public Theatre. His musical The Year of Living Dangerously, based on the novel that became the film starring Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver and Oscar-winner Linda Hunt, was presented in concert at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC in 2017. Current projects include Diamond and the North Wind, based on the classic novel At The Back of The North Wind by George MacDonald, and A Girl’s Guide to Moving On (with co-author Joseph Robinette), based on the novel by best-selling author Debbie Macomber. 

Beyond musicals for adult humans, Tierney has also written several for young audiences which include The Tuesday Afternoon Regulars, The Fabulous Fable Factory, and its sequel, The Fantastic Return of the Fabulous Fable Factory — all with co-writer Joseph Robinette. TheatreworksUSA has commissioned and toured six of his musicals nationally, including The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (which toured nationally for 25 years). His musicals are published by Dramatic Publishing and Concord Theatricals (Rodgers & Hammerstein).

For television, Tierney has written two scores for NBC's Emmy Award-winning series Unicorn Tales and the theme music for We Remember Eleanor, narrated by Margaret Truman Daniels. He’s also written music and lyrics for corporate conventions and events, including those for Coca-Cola, Astra USA, IBM, Oral-B and State Farm Insurance. He composed “Bringing the World Closer to You,” the theme song for AT&T's pavilion at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center which played 144 times a day for 10 years!

Tierney was born in Missouri and raised in Illinois. He started composing in the 5th Grade, and since seeing The King and I film in high school, he hasn't stopped putting stories and songs together. He attended the University of Illinois Champagne-Urbana where he graduated with an MS degree in advertising. After that, he completed an MA in broadcasting and worked toward a PhD in communications before the siren song of New York City pulled him there. He’s been composing for New York shows ever since.

Tierney has performed his own music at Lincoln Center in New York and at the White House in Washington. He has won numerous ASCAP awards and is listed in Who's Who in Entertainment. He served on the Board of Governors at the New York Television Academy and is a member of ASCAP and The Dramatist’s Guild.

Thomas Tierney is a highly esteemed composer recognized for his impactful contributions to musical theater and film. Demonstrating an exceptional musical inclination early on, Tierney delved into music theory and piano performance to cultivate his craft, laying the groundwork for his illustrious career ahead. Over the years, his musical prowess has garnered widespread acclaim, with his compositions gracing the esteemed stages of Broadway, mesmerizing audiences with their soul-stirring melodies and intricate harmonies. Beyond the realm of musical theater, Tierney has also left an indelible mark in the realm of film scoring, earning praise for his adeptness in elevating visual narratives through his musical scores. Renowned for his versatile musical style, Tierney seamlessly blends traditional orchestration with contemporary influences, crafting a timeless yet modern sound that resonates deeply with listeners. More than just a composer, Tierney is a committed mentor and educator, generously imparting his knowledge and passion to aspiring musicians and composers, inspiring them to push the boundaries of musical expression. As a revered figure in the music world, Thomas Tierney continues to enchant audiences with his unmatched creativity and dedication to weaving captivating stories through the power of sound, establishing a lasting legacy that underscores the profound impact of music in inspiring, comforting, and uniting people across diverse backgrounds.