Thomas P. Coates (1803 – October 11, 1895) was a 19th-century American musician who achieved initial prominence in Pennsylvania for his performances on the cornet and French horn.

By 1824, he was a cornetist with Pomp's Cornet Band, and was a member of that ensemble when it performed for Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette when the general visited Easton, Pennsylvania during his grand tour of the United States.

[9] On August 14, 1861, Coates enrolled for military service in the American Civil War at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

[17][18] The Pike County Press of Milford, Pennsylvania described him as "the leader of the first circus band in America" in its "Chronological Record of 1895.

"[19] The year after Coates' death, The Allentown Leader reported that "a marvelous tribute was paid to his talent" when his music was performed at "a monster concert in Berlin...by the new Philharmonic band," and was favorably received by the audience.