Tibor Fonay
The highly sought-after bassist in the fields of jazz and contemporary music received his professional training at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary, where he completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance in 2013. In the same year, Tibor Fonay won first prize at the Orszáczky Jackie Bass Competition, marking the beginning of his international career as a live and studio musician.
About the artist
Between jazz and moderne
Tibor Fonay is one of Hungary’s most sought-after jazz and contemporary bassists, known for his deep musical sensitivity, versatility across styles, and rich professional history both on stage and in the studio. Born on September 27, 1987, in Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary, he was raised in a musical family.
He started his studies at the Péczely Attila Music School in his hometown, where he was mentored by György Vincze, learning electric bass within the light music program. After two years, he continued his development at the Mindszent Music School, where he received further bass instruction from László Kaszás, while also studying piano with Attila Bencsik. These formative years laid the groundwork for a serious artistic trajectory rooted in groove, harmonic awareness, and ensemble playing.
In 2006, after graduating from secondary school, Fonay was accepted to the Dr. Lauschmann Gyula Jazz Secondary School in Székesfehérvár — an important institution for Hungarian jazz education. He studied here for two years under the tutelage of Gergő Mits and László Máthé, immersing himself in the language and idioms of jazz, both in theory and practice.
His path led naturally to the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary’s most prestigious music academy. In 2008, he began his studies at the Jazz Department, where he spent five years refining his craft under the mentorship of renowned bassist Béla Lattmann. He completed his bachelor’s degree in 2011, and in 2013 he graduated with a master’s degree in Jazz Performance.
In the same year, his artistic development received national recognition when he won first prize at the Orszáczky Jackie Bass Competition, organized by Hungarian Radio. This marked a key moment in Fonay’s professional rise, launching a career that would include major collaborations, high-profile performances, and multiple award-winning recordings.
