Classical Guitar
Tom is a classically trained guitarist and accomplished in a wide variety of styles, particularly flamenco rumba which he plays using classical technique (i.e., higher on the neck than traditional flamenco). His routine in teaching classical guitar is straightforward: study Aaron Shearer's books one and two and then branch out into classical guitar pieces such as those by Bach, Sor, Tarrega and Guiliani. He is comfortable teaching as young as age 4 1/2 and anyone from absolute beginners to advanced players. A number of Tom's students have gone on to major in classical guitar in college.
All Styles Guitar
Tom instructs in a wide range of guitar styles aside from classical including:
- Contemporary Fingerstyle: Fingerstyle steel string guitar with alternate tunings in the styles of Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Chet Atkins and Will Ackerman.
- Folk Guitar: Everything from basic campfire guitar picking to traditional styles of the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn ear training and accompaniment styles.
- Flamenco Rumba: Explore Gipsy Kings and Latin American style guitar music. Learn tangos and boleros.
- Jazz Guitar: Chord theory and improvising techniques. Explore standards and learn how to play in a combo.
- Rock and Blues Guitar: Fundamentals of rock and blues guitar including how to jam with the aid of numerous jam tracks.
- Twelve-String Guitar: Basic and advanced technique for twelve-string including backstrokes, high octave playing and walking bass lines.
- Ten-String Guitar: The
grand piano
of guitar. Learn fingering and technical issues specific to this instrument.
Bass Guitar
Tom will get you grounded in jazz, rock and blues bass with a strong emphasis on music theory. Students should expect to learn the fundamentals using a variety of method books, and playing music in a number of different styles. The object is to become a solid bass player.
Mandolin
Tom teaches mandolin from a classical perspective using Giuseppe Branzoli's method book from 1892 and advanced plectrum technique. He also teaches old time and bluegrass mandolin using Mel Bay and Hal Leonard method books. He prefers for young mandolin students to be at least eight years of age.
Banjo
Most banjo students want to learn basic bluegrass and old time music, which Tom teaches using the Mel Bay and Hal Leonard books. He also teaches classical banjo, requiring an ability to read music. His classical approach to banjo is noteworthy and employs a variety of tremolo techniques.
String Bass
Tom's string bass instruction is best suited for (and has been successful with) local school-age students who play in orchestras or jazz bands. Tom uses Janice Tucker Rhoda's books one and two. He also will teach adults beginning to intermediate bass. Advanced students should look elsewhere for training.
Ukulele
Ukulele is becoming a popular recreational instrument for everyone from small children to adults. Tom can take you as far as you'd like to go on soprano, tenor and baritone uke from the principles of an absolute beginner, to advanced chord theory and complex strumming styles.
Tom's Background
Learn about Tom's training and performing background.
