Learning a musical instrument doesn't have to be a complicated process. Tom believes it’s really quite straightforward: either you can play it or you can't. If you can't, then something is wrong. If we admit that, and then identify the problem, we can solve it. The process of learning to play an instrument is a process of solving many little problems. If you become good at solving problems, you can become good at playing the instrument. Tom’s role in teaching is to smooth the way as much as possible and save you time in the long run.
Tom's Teaching Method
The eventual goal for each student is to sound better, and to do so in the most efficient time tested manner possible regardless whether he or she is playing just for fun, or to go on to advanced studies and possible career. Many students become frustrated when they come up against obstacles and often they quit, but in Tom’s many years of experience he has found ways around these junctures. The point is to truly listen to and alter the curriculum as needed. He uses method books ranging from 19th century works to the most recent electronics and recordings in order to tailor the curriculum to fit the student's needs and desires. Using this approach many students are able to achieve more virtuosity than they ever imagined.
Developing Musicianship
Tom also believes playing with other musicians and performing before live audiences is at the root of developing musicianship. As host of a nearly two-decade-running public access call-in guitar show, Tom provides his students with opportunities to perform before the live camera and on stage in addition to traditional ensemble group work. He encourages all his students to strive for excellence and also guides the more advanced ones through the process of producing their own recordings.
