Welcome!

Fresh off the acclaimed release of his debut album 10,000 Hours — which earned a 4-star review from DownBeat and was recognized among the “Top 10 Jazz Records of 2024” by acclaimed jazz publicist Dan Ouellette — Hiruy Tirfe has emerged as one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic and multifaceted musical voices. A distinguished saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator, bandleader, DJ, musical director, film scorer, and Voting Member of the Recording Academy, Tirfe continues to build a career defined by artistic versatility, musical excellence, and community leadership.

Raised in the rich musical culture of Philadelphia and educated through the Upper Darby School District, Tirfe developed his musical foundation through both public school arts education and prestigious extracurricular programs including the Kimmel Center Creative Music Program. He later attended University of the Arts, earning a Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance with a minor in Music Education in 2017, followed by a Master’s degree in Music Education the following year. During this period, he established himself as one of Philadelphia’s most sought-after sidemen, recognized for his professionalism, adaptability, and commanding musical voice. 

Throughout his artistic development, Tirfe studied under respected Philadelphia jazz educators and performers including Mike Cemprola, Mark Allen, and John Swana. Their mentorship helped shape the technical mastery and musical sensitivity that continue to define his work today. In 2022, Tirfe founded Tirfe Music World, a full-service music company that contracts premier musicians for performances ranging from private engagements to national touring productions. Through this venture, Tirfe has provided musical direction and live entertainment for organizations and clients including the American Association for Cancer Research, NBC10 Philadelphia, and Mann Center for the Performing Arts, while also contributing extensively to Philadelphia’s live music scene through collaborations with initiatives such as Moody’s Klubbhouse led by Chill Moody.

A dedicated advocate for arts programming and music community development, Tirfe also serves as a lead organizer and producer for the Delaware County Jazz Jam Festival, a growing regional festival launched in partnership with Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation and Upper Darby Township. In this role, he oversees artist booking, contracting, accounting, stage management, and festival hosting.

Tirfe’s extensive performance résumé includes collaborations with an impressive range of internationally recognized artists and cultural figures, including Patti LaBelle, The Roots, H.E.R., Brandy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Trombone Shorty, Lloyd, Solange Knowles, Bilal, Tye Tribbett, Gerald Veasley, Eric Roberson, Jeff Bradshaw, and many others. Whether performing on major festival stages, in intimate clubs, or within studio environments, Tirfe has earned a reputation as a highly respected and dependable musical collaborator.

Beyond live performance, Tirfe has contributed his artistry to film and television productions, including the feature film A Nashville Legacy, where he worked alongside actors Andrea Lewis, Pooch Hall, and Roz Ryan. He also contributed to All Things New, the Grammy-nominated gospel album by Tye Tribbett.

In June 2026, Tirfe was honored by the American Federation of Musicians with the Freelance Organizing Award in Ottawa in recognition of his advocacy and organizing efforts supporting freelance musicians and advancing labor standards for artists working outside traditional classical music settings.

Continuing his artistic momentum, Tirfe is preparing for the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album “The Threshold”  featuring collaborations with Khemist, Mare, Chill Moody, James Poyser, Saunders Sermons, Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr” Bryson, and additional special guests, further cementing his place as an innovative and influential voice within contemporary music.