Virtuoso Guitarist and Composer

Tom started playing guitar on January 31st, 1986. At this time he was influenced by bands such as Metallica, Def Leppard, and Van Halen.

Upon hearing Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker, George Bellas and Dream Theater, Tom developed a strong desire to become the guitar player and composer that he is today. Later on he enrolled into music schools and earned two degrees in music: one for Music Theory and one for Music Composition. Additionally, Tom spent time studying with Lion Music recording artist George Bellas for many years (among other guitar teachers).

Tom has toured internationally in the band HolyHell, while sharing venues with other bands such as Manowar, Testament, Black Sabbath (Heaven and Hell), Nightwish, Epica, and Rhapsody of Fire. While playing in HolyHell, Tom performed in front of sold out crowds of 10,000+ fans in Czech Republic and Germany including shows at the German Earthshaker Fest 2005 and the Czech Masters of Rock Festivals. HolyHell's debut single "Apocalypse" is steadily making its way up the European charts in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

During early 2011, Tom joined the symphonic power metal band Rhapsody Of Fire and recorded the album, "From Chaos To Eternity" that was released on June 17, 2011.

Tom has also released two albums with his own instrumental metal band HESS. Both HESS albums "Opus 1" and "Opus 2" have sold in many countries worldwide.

Tom is also the main composer of his own instrumental band, HESS. The HESS band releases Opus 1 and Opus 2, have sold successfully in many countries around the world.

Music Teacher, Trainer, Coach and Mentor

As well as being a successful recording artist and composer, Tom is also a very passionate music teacher.

He has taught tens of thousands of music lessons to guitar players all over the world. Besides teaching private guitar lessons, clinics, workshops and master classes around the United States, Tom teaches guitar to students around the world with his Online Guitar Lessons.

Tom is also a music career mentor to musicians worldwide (both up and coming as well as seasoned professionals) in his Music Careers Mentoring Program.

In addition, Tom founded the Elite Guitar Teachers Inner Circle where he coaches guitar