As a young boy, Thomas was always attracted to music, and started training classically on the violin at age 6.   After receiving his grade 8 Royal Conservatory of Music Diploma, Thomas began teaching budding violinists.   At the University of B.C., many different styles of music compelled him to explore a variety of world folk traditions & instruments.  There, he began studying mandolin, banjo, guitar, as well as a variety of percussion instruments.  

 

Many friends were made at U.B.C. through these musical experiences, and Thomas was inspired to help other musicians also make these connections.  In 2003, the Jam Camp Society was created to manifest this goal, helping low-income youth discover the wonders of music as a tool for sharing, learning, communication and promoting cultural understanding.

 

Jam Camp has developed a unique curriculum that uses rhythm as a foundation for musical learning of all kinds.  By playing as a group in a rhythm circle, students learn the integral principles of successful collaboration...listening, balance, support & communication.   These tools not only help groups to play & compose music as a team, but can also be applied to other aspects of life outside of music.

 

As an artist, Thomas is skilled in both theory and improvisation, the latter which is often difficult for many students to achieve.  Using the foundational approach of rhythm, Thomas has a unique method of opening up the creative potential of students, leading them to a future where they are masters of their instruments.

 

One of Thomas’ most notable attributes is his understanding of children’s sensitivities & needs when it comes to learning.  As a teacher, he is able to help students identify their interests and then give them the resources necessary to help them discover their passion on their own.  Many students that struggle with conventional music training are liberated with this self-directed style of learning, whereby the student identifies interests, and the teacher helps to facilitate their learning objectives in a non-imposing fashion.