Thomas H. TakeLessons Instructor Guitar, Improvisation, Music theory, Note reading, Technique, Ear Training, Beginning Piano, Grant st, San Lorenzo, CA

 Thomas is a Muti-Instrumentalist with a passion for Blues, Rock, and Jazz.  But his greatest passion is being a positive influence in young people’s lives. Tom began his musical journey at the tender age of 11.  The best day of his life was when he was introduced to the musical instruments in fourth grade.  He saw that the saxophone was the coolest instrument the Elementary school had to offer. By the time he was In 7th grade, Tom began taking lessons from saxophone great Guido fazio.  Guido taught him jazz improvisation, and introduced him to the revolutionary method called recycling motifs.   In his  High school years he became disillusioned with the sax and decided to start playing the instrument he was meant to play, guitar. Tom took a few lessons, however he learned the most through listening to records.  His greatest pastime is playing along with his favorite jazz and blues records. Senior year at high school is when he began studying piano, with Spencer Chan.  Chan’s immaculate playing and versatility had a profound effect on him.  He was also encouraged that he could play any instrument he picked up.  Tom has had experience e teaching students aging from 4- 40.   He has a funny and accommodating personality, which kids and adolescents prefer.  He has a great deal of patience, which every beginning student must accept first in order to progress

Professional Experience Guitar/Piano Instructor                                                                    02/06-03/08

The Academy of Language and Music Arts, 99 Brookwood rd, Orinda Ca

.  Taught students the art of playing guitar and Piano, curriculum based on ear training, note reading, technique, and intonation.

. Put into practice my admiration for the next generation and putting a positive activity into their lives   

Tom's Blues Band/ Mambo Soul w Martin Franco

. Played styles such as Salsa, Cumbia, Rhythm and Blues, Meringue, Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Blues.

. Worked with musicians, and booking agents from all over the bay area

. Professional Recordings

6 Track LP with, “Grooveyard”, a 5 piece Progressive Jazz/Rock band.  The album consisted of original works composed by the band. (1998)

. 3 song demo with, “Octave”, a 6 piece Latin Jazz ensemble formed by a Conga master and myself.  This disk featured original compositions by myself, and Latin arrangements of Jazz standards. (2004)

. My current original Rock project is a group called, “Swampdonky”, our recent C.D was entitled, “All Over The Map”.  This disk had 4 original songs and was passed around at the “Great American Music Hall”, a music venue for nationally acclaimed groups. (2007).  We have another album coming soon in 2009 entitled “Off the Hook”

. Tom's Blues band, two blues cover songs. (2008

 . 17 years experience playing saxophone.  Including, Lessons, concert bands, Big bands, and small combos. Began Saxophone study as a fourth grader under the tutelage of Jack Meehan at Bollinger Canyon Elementary School.  At the age of 13 began my study of Jazz improvisation with Guido Fazio at House of Woodwinds

 . 11 Years experience playing guitar.  Including, performing, recording, song writing, and band leading.)

 .  6 years experience playing piano.  Including, performing and using as a tool for Song writing.  Studied with Spencer Chan at House of Woodwinds.

.  Received a passing score on the CBEST, California Basic Educational Skills

.  Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, from San Francisco State Univers

Lessons with Tom

“Guitar lessons are supposed to be fun”. 

“The less you practice the harder it becomes”

“Practice is fun when you relate a technique I show you to one of your favorite songs

“I believe strongly in keeping you (the student) excited about the guitar and expressing yourself.  Will cover various topics in the lessons such as”,

• How to hold the guitar,
• How to play a note
• The parts of the guitar
• Note Reading
• Finger Dexterity
• Chords
• Ear Training
• Scales

Blues, Rock, Jazz, Latin, R&B, Funk

sfsu - Art History - 09/01-09/03
shady grove high - G.E - 09/93- 09/96

Guitar, Improvisation, Music theory, Note reading, Technique, Ear Training, Beginning Piano,