Tom is in his 32nd year of teaching; the past 27 years teaching Pre-K – 5th grade Music in Lowell Area Schools. His first 5 years he spent teaching K-6 Music and Beginning Band and Orchestra for Grand Rapids Public Schools. He earned his Bachelor Degree in Music Education from Calvin College and did Masters work in Child Development at Michigan State University. He is also certified in Secondary Mathematics.

Prior to being introduced to Education Through Music (ETM) at the beginning of his career, Tom fully intended to be a H.S./M.S. Band Director; however, he found ETM’s playful approach towards learning, developmental perspective and philosophy of the power of the aesthetic experience fascinating and he’s never looked back. An area of study of particular interest is the impact of trauma on the development of the child and music/aesthetic experience’s potential in fostering healing.

Beyond the classroom, Tom currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Richards Institute of Education and Research, a nonprofit organization that sponsors the work of ETM. In addition to those responsibilities, he volunteers assisting with the teaching of workshops, courses, camps for the Richards Institute.

Outside of education, Tom is a professional remodeler, who enjoys making custom designs, building cabinetry, finish carpentry and custom painting.