ABOUT

Tom has been involved with a variety of music groups, bands and orchestras. He has played in venues such as St David’s Hall Cardiff, Birmingham Symphony Hall and local venues such as the Shire Hall and The Courtyard. Music from his albums has also been aired on several BBC Radio stations. He has an eclectic taste in music and a wide range of influences. Born in 1980, folk music was always around as a child when growing up both at school in 'folk dance' and home life where artists such as Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior, Martin Carthy, Dave Swarbrick, Fairport Convention and The Albion Band could often be heard. He became interested in folk music in the 90's during his early teens. The first albums in his folk collection included cd's by Eliza Carthy & Nancy Kerr, Waterson:Carthy, Kate Rusby & Kathryn Roberts, Sharon Shannon & Kathryn Tickell. Since then the collection has grown to several hundred!!!

Tom's main instruments are the piano, which he started learning at age 7 and the saxophone, age 13. He also plays accordion, whistles/recorders, guitars & perseveres with the fiddle/viola! He has gained professional qualifications in Music Education, Music Therapy and works as a Music Practitioner/Director in Herefordshire. He is also an experienced and professionally registered Health/Practice Manager.

Tom has had the priviledge of supporting many great musicians on the folk circuit both as a solo performer and duo HUGHES & HACK. The other half of the duo being good friend Charlotte Hack, a fiddle player Tom met in 2004 when he was working at Hereford Sixth Form College. Some of Tom's highlights to date include being the support act for: Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Tom McConville, Vin Garbutt, Spiers & Boden, John Kirkpatrick and Bella Hardy.

As well as performing, Tom enjoys composing & arranging music. He has a very eclectic taste in different musical genres and styles but folk & traditional music is something he is passionate about and enjoys being part of. "It is exciting, vibrant, emotional, enjoyable and full of life!"

Tom is also a published author of a short story, audiobook and two music books. He has also produced and published the sheet music to the songs - Planets of the Universe by Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac, Always by Gavin James and Going Home by Mark Knopfler..

He also specialises in music transcription, engraving, music book and sheet music production. Tom is also music director of a community choir promoting positive wellbeing and mental health.

Instruments played: piano; saxophone; accordion; reed organ; folk whistles/flutes; guitar; tenor guitar; fiddle/viola; various percussion & recorders.