Tom Dante
Freelance Musician, Music Teacher, and Huge Rockstar in Southern California
Current Projects
For the past 13 years, Tom has held the drum chair in Matt Mauser’s Big and Small Bands, and for Pete Jacobs in his various bands. As a bandleader, Tom leads the #TomDanteQuartet, #TomDanteTrio, and the #DanteSet at local gigs. He also organizes an annual fundraising Jazz Festival for SolaceforHope.org. Tom records with his original rock/punk band Human Haggis, and works as a freelance musician for both live dates and recording sessions.
Previously, he toured/recorded with David Pack of Ambrosia for 11 years, & taught at Orange County School of the Arts in the Popular Music Conservatory for 4 years.
Tom and his 4 kids live by the beach in the LA/OC area.
Lastly, Tom teaches private lessons at both his studio and at students' homes.
Education
Tom attended the famed Dick Grove School of Music for Drumset Studies. He also attended both Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton and was involved in their music programs.
Personal
Tom started piano lessons when he was six years old. He made drums his primary instrument in jr. high so that he could join the high school marching band with his friends. His first paid gig came at 16 years old, playing the drum solo from “Sing, Sing, Sing” for a locally produced cable TV commercial.
Some of his personal highlights include playing for the State Honors Symphony under the direction of Henry Mancini, playing pop and dance music at the North Pole, dancing as Fred Astaire in the Super Bowl XXI Half-Time Show, and playing the Saddleback Town Hall Forum featuring Senators Barack Obama and John McCain for worldwide, multi-network broadcast.