Cello with Tom K.

Cellist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Tom Kersey is an award-winning veteran of the Tampa Bay music scene, and has earned his reputation as a strikingly passionate, versatile and eclectic musical force who defies classification. Mr. Kersey has nearly two decades of experience under his belt as a professional musician in many capacities, including performer, recording artist, composer, arranger and educator.  A consummate pedagogue with nearly two decades of experience, Mr. Kersey’s teaching style is a wholistic approach integrating all aspects of musical study, including instrumental technique, music theory, ear training, improvisation, composition, kinesthetics, artistic interpretation and music history.    Part of the joy of teaching music is connecting with other people, getting to know their personalities, their stengths and weaknesses, the unique gifts and talents they have to offer the world, their larger interests and aspirations in life. As such, Mr. Kersey’s lessons are uniquely tailored to fit each and every student based on their musical inclinations, their overall goals and intentions in the study of music. The curriculum and expectations of the student who plays casually and just for fun are different than the student who plans to make a career in music, for the student who wants to play jazz and the student who is more interested in classical music.  The ensemble known as KELP, founded by Kersey in 2004, serves as a vehicle for his compositions leaning towards jazz fusion and avant-garde styles. The art of improvisation is an integral component of the ensemble’s raison d’être, whose fluid personnel features highly respected and exciting musicians, as well as impressively talented up-and-coming artists.  The Fibonacci String Ensemble (or Fibonacci Strings), founded by Kersey and violinist Rebecca Zapen, is equally at home performing classical music, jazz, pop, bossa-nova, rock and other styles.  In every aspect of Tom’s artistic life, in any role he plays, his fundamental goal is always to humbly give joy, enthrallment, beauty and healing to the world through the power of music.