As an adult learner who plays multiple instruments, I’ve had every type of teacher you can imagine. It’s always a struggle to find a teacher able to work with the unique requirements of being an adult with adult obligations and time constraints.

Tom, as it turns out, is that rare teacher able to not just handle these unique requirements, but is also fantastic at finding and focusing on knowledge gaps, whether it be playing, theory, tone, or anything else I throw at him.

Prior to taking lessons with Tom, I had barely held a trumpet, and I’m progressing at a rate far faster than I had imagined I would.

So don’t bother looking elsewhere, Tom is who you need!

My teenage son was skeptical about taking private trumpet lessons. But to my surprise he seem to be enjoying them so far. I think Tom is a great teacher. According to my son, he is a very good listener and provides good feedback on what he needs to improve on. It is definitely worth an hour drive each way.

Tom was AWESOME! I had a heck of a time finding someone who actually teaches Bugle. I have only had one lesson with Tom however, I am very excited to continue with him. Tom did not rush anything, he didnt watch the clock, he actually wanted to do more playing than talking about this form, music theory etc. etc. I had experienced with other Teachers. Everyone wants to start playing "something" as soon as possible and Tom dove right in to playing or trying to get me to play, HaHa in just the first 20min.

I've had many teachers in the past who only taught me how to perform well with the emphasis on technicality and repeptition; however, Tom created space for me to appreciate each and every bar rather than focusing on finishing a song. As a student who has become well-adjusted to structure, I learned the beauty of improvisation informed by theory through Tom. He is attentive, passionate, and always makes sure I got the concept he's teaching. He has a rare gift of creating such an intimate, peaceful environment where I can feel at ease and really thrive in playing music. It was in these calm moments my passion for jazz sparked more and more. I'm truly thankful to have had Tom as my mentor/teacher.
-JL, student at NYU. May 2012