Tom H  
Instruments: Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Recorder, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Latin Percussion
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Funk, Hip Hop, Punk

My Philosophy: I firmly believe that music possesses the ability to change lives for the better. Music has certainly changed my life and molded me into the man that I am today. As a former C-average high school student, one might be surprised to learn that I received my BA in Music Instruction and graduated with honors. So what happened between high school and college? My passion for music inspired me to go back to school and taught me the many virtues that define who I am today. Music has gifted me with a second chance at life, and I feel that it is my duty to share this gift with the world so that it may change and embellish the lives of others. I believe in the individual and the vast assortment of personalities and skill-sets that they bring to the table.  Just like music’s ability to enhance our way of thinking, I strongly believe that as musicians, we all have something to gain from others, no matter what their skill level is. As a music educator, I pledge my commitment to teach and learn from all of my students, inspire creativity, and to instill confidence, unity, and strong musicianship in each and every one of my students.        

For beginning percussion students, I typically begin by teaching instrument maintenence, proper playing technique, rhythmic reading basics, and implementing a rudimental warm up exercise. Some of the various beginners repertoire I teach from include, but are not limited to: George Lawrence's Stick Control, Matt Savage's Rudimental Workshop, Mitchell Peters' Fundamental Method for Timpani, Saul Goodman's Modern Method for Timpani, Mitchell Peters' Fundamental Method for Mallets, Morris Goldenberg's Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, & Vibraphone, and Tommy Igoe's Groove Essentials.