Tomás Improta

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Tomás Improta França

Years active

1970–2026

Genres

mpb, jazz, instrumental music, bossa nova

Instruments

piano, keyboards

Biography

Tomás Improta França, known professionally as Tomás Improta, was a distinguished Brazilian pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. Born in Rio de Janeiro on September 24, 1948, Improta displayed prodigious musical talent from a young age, winning a scholarship to the Brazilian Conservatory of Music at the age of five without formal training. His early exposure to popular music influenced his improvisational style, and by his teenage years, he was deeply immersed in jazz and bossa nova, participating in various instrumental groups.

Improta's professional career began in 1970, and he quickly became a sought-after accompanist for many of Brazil's most iconic MPB artists, including Gal Costa, Djavan, Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Maria Bethânia. His exceptional skill as a keyboardist earned him the title of best keyboardist in the country in 1980, according to Jornal da Música. Beyond his work as a sideman, Improta developed a significant solo career, releasing acclaimed instrumental albums such as "Tear," "Bartok Jazz," and "Certas Mulheres." He also gained international recognition, performing at the Montreux Festival in Switzerland.

A multifaceted artist, Improta was also an educator and author. He founded the Cenário School of Music and authored several music textbooks, including "Course in Popular Harmony" and "Learning to Read Music." His contributions extended to directing instrumental shows and writing a monthly column for "BackStage" magazine. Tomás Improta passed away on August 23, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy as a versatile musician who masterfully bridged the worlds of MPB and jazz, and as an influential figure in music education.