“With hard work and effort, you can achieve anything.” - Antoine Griezmann. Tom started teaching himself guitar from the age of 7 with a dream of one day becoming a professional musician. By 17 he had achieved proficiency as a fingerstyle guitarist when he met with an accident which resulted in a permanent disability. Tom adapted to his new life and kept practicing playing the guitar on his lap while motivating himself to improve and regain his command of the instrument albeit in a new style. He also went on to attend university, work full time and win silver at the 1988 Paralympics but he never lost sight of his dream of becoming a musician. Throughout, he honed his skills until he grabbed the opportunity to dedicate more time to his dream and became a professional musician. Tom has released CDs like The Bell and Can’t Teach an Old Dog, performs at concerts and is considered one of the best lap slide guitarists.

What is the role of music in your life? Who are your influences in music?T:  I was brought up listening top and from the age of 7 playing music. It is one of my daily constants. My influences are every music I hear from Primitive to complex; Beethoven to the Beatles.

How do you usually come up with an idea for an album?T: By just playing my lap guitar and exploring the sounds…..

What is your favourite album and why?T: There are so many and all different so I can’t have a favourite. An album that inspired me to try and re learn following my injury is Greenhouse by Leo Kottke.

Which genre of music do you like the most? Who is your favourite artist?T: Impossible to answer because variety is essential to me. I like almost every genre.

You have a huge guitar collection. Which guitar stands out from the rest and why?T: My bear creekHawaiian because it was gifted to me by a very famous musician after he heard me play. - and it looks and sounds beautiful.

What challenges did you face after you met with an accident? What motivated you to face those challenges?T: Challenge of playing guitar again was to overcome the conflict of not being able to play because of the lack of hand and finger movement. See this video

Who is your inspiration?T: Too many to list,hundreds of people inspire me

What are your other hobbies?T: (music is my profession but also my hobby) keeping fit and well, knowing the world, voluntary work, community building, reading, taking the dog for a walk.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to learn music?T: To do it!

Any special message for our community?T: Think big, believe you can, aim high, be proud, be kind.