Issue 2 2013

What a busy and exciting winter and spring its been! In February I was honored to receive the WAMA (Washington Area Music Award) for "Best World Music Instrumentalist". My CD, " All The World's A Stage" was also nominated. I've just finished a residency in Southeast Virginia at Ware Academy by the beautiful East River.

Focus on Educational Projects

These past few months I am excited to report that I have reached over 10,000 students of all ages. Through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Young Audiences of Northern Ohio and Young Audiences of Virginia I have been able to perform a combination of assembly programs, workshops, master classes and residencies. It is an honor to share my music and experiences of my international travels. I performed for a diverse audience of elementary age through college, which also included special needs students. Once again I am reminded of how music can be a vital source of communication, joy and healing!

This week I will perform residencies at both Virginia Tech University and Radford University. There I will present master classes as well as evening concerts on my hybrid style of various ancient world percussion concepts fused with American Jazz and music technology. I offer special thanks to Yamaha Orchestral Percussion, Vic Firth, Sabian, Remo and Latin Percussion for their generous support that allows me to bring my work in percussion education to students regionally, nationally and around the world. I applaud their commitment to music education. If you haven't had an opportunity to check out my site on the LP site please Visit LP Music Artist Page

Looking Ahead

Because of my relentless touring schedule this winter/spring I have had to postpone the release of my new educational video, "An American Approach To World Percussion" until the summer. I'm thrilled to share my hybrid percussion ideas fused with my world travel, study with jazz great Joe Morello and classical percussion background. I will be adding a section to my webpage specifically devoted to excerpts. Preliminary response has been great on Facebook drumming pages.

Collaboration With Constellation Theatre In "Gilgamesh"

I'll be rejoining one of my favorite collaborators, director Allison Arkell Stockman and Constellation Theatre Company. We will have a month run beginning May 4 of "Gilgamesh" at Source Theatre. "Gilgamesh" is the world's oldest story. I'll be drawing deeply from my touring in Iraq as I delve into the rich musical culture of ancient Mesopotamia combined with my fusion approach. It opens in May, so order your tickets soon.

Please view the video inspired by this wonderful story. It features Sabian crotales, Wavedrum, melodica and live looping.

World Class Private Instruction In Newly Renovated Studio

For those of you who may be interested in private world percussion lessons to take your playing to the next level, I have upgraded my equipment and reopened my studio. Preview what you can learn.

There are a lot more surprises and experiences in store for this season that I cherish being able to share with you. I hope you will check my site often www.tomteasley.com Updates are on my Facebook music page and also follow me on Twitterfor the very latest news.

Until next time I'm leaving you with a video clip featuring an exciting new product from Remo, The Talatones. I'm playing three at once and perform an improvisation on a twelve beat cycle at three different speeds.

Peace, Salam, Shalom, Shanti,

Tom