Private Lessons with Tom S
Tom S
Mr. Tom, a passionate guitar instructor and skilled songwriter, hails from the vibrant music scene of Houston, Texas. His musical journey, spanning over five decades, began in the Elementary Band Program at his school, a testament to his unwavering love for music.
Choosing trombone as his instrument, he participated in concert band and, later, in High School, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Jazz/Stage Band (playing third chair trombone and, later, guitar). He also took music theory and music appreciation courses.
At 12, Mr. Tom received his first six-string guitar, which was acoustic. Soon after, he bought his first electric guitar (Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola), which he still has to this day. Mr. Tom then joined garage bands, which quickly graduated to "Battle of the Bands" and high school dances. Following the natural progression of music groups of the era, clubs and concerts followed.
During these years, Mr. Tom's influences were traditional and progressive Rock, Blues, Country, Americana, Funk, and jazz. After a few years, he began playing in gospel music groups and ministries. During the next 30 years, he remained active in church music ministries, songwriting, and home recording and has maintained a small home recording studio to this day. Still playing, composing, and recording on guitar, bass, keyboard, harmonica, and drums. Mr. Tom has always had a mentoring spirit and enjoys teaching others. He works with all ages and has recent experience with ages as early as six.
Mr. Tom recently began teaching in the Fort Bend Independent School District After School Guitar Program. He was the instructor for Guitar 101 for the Spring Semester (4 classes per week consisting of 6 to 11 students ranging from 6 to 9 years old). He developed custom YouTube Training Videos for the classes, so each student had a study video of their recital song, including very current requested favorites.
Mr. Tom has lived through some of the most revolutionary music eras, the 50s/60s/70s, and he carries that spirit of innovation with him to this day. His love for music knows no bounds, as he maintains an open mind to all styles, with a particular fondness for blues. His versatility is not just limited to music styles, but also in his teaching approach, as he specializes in customized lessons tailored to each student's natural skillset, interests, and desires.