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Tom’s first musical experience was learning to play trombone in middle school. Inspired by such bands as the Eagles, the Grateful Dead, and the Allman Brothers, Tom put down the trombone and picked up the guitar at age 16. As he dug deeper into American roots music, he developed an interest in bluegrass and classic country, which led to teaching himself to play banjo, pedal steel, and dobro. During his time at the University of Tennessee, Tom supplemented his self-taught skills by studying music theory and ear training. Over the past 15 years, Tom has honed his skills playing with many local and national bands, including The Everybodyfields and Robinella & The CC Stringband. Currently, Tom tours nationally with the Black Lillies. Tom’s students learn to play “by ear” and learn practical music theory as it applies to the guitar neck. He also teaches Scruggs-style and melodic-style banjo using tablature.