Tom Twiss: A Passion for Playing the Drums
Playing drums professionally since 1975, I've shared the stage or recorded with major artists such as Seals and Crofts, The Allman Brothers Band, Spirit, Mott the Hoople, Little Richard, and Mitch Ryder. Having a varied stylistic background has allowed me to play rock, blues, jazz, funk, country, classical, show bands, and stage musicals. I have played in the Ann Arbor Symphony and studied percussion at Eastern Michigan University.
Since relocating to Michigan from Los Angeles, my playing has been the driving force behind many local acts such as Al Hill and the Love Butlers, The Shelter Dogs, Al Jacquez Band, The Prodigals, The Martindales, The Witch Doctors, The Fabulous High-Tops, The Blue Rays, Wixom Slim and the Wyze Guyz, The Terraplanes, The Notebenders, The Bad Luck Boys, Billy Mack & The Juke Joint Johnnies, The Bluesmatics, Park Side Wes, and The Bluescasters to name a few. Being able to sing lead and background vocals while playing allows me to add another dimension to lessons as well. Also having played drums and percussion on the Worship team at the Adrian First Church of the Nazarene in Adrian, Michigan inspires me to help students with praise and worship music. I also am a Drum Workshop endorser.
My love of performing carries over to my teaching. Students are taught the basics, setting them on a path that helps them to love playing AND learning. Lessons are custom fit to each student's needs, and the material given is of practical and artistic value. Two drum sets are used, which allows both the student and instructor to play at the same time for rhythmic synchronization and eliminating the need to play "musical chairs" that occurs when only one kit is used. A variety of stations in the studio allow students to effortlessly move from one musical task to another. Stations include mallets, snare, and tympani (roto toms are used). A large sound system is provided for learning your favorite song, and sound protection headphones are available.
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned professional, young or old, no matter what style you want to learn, if you want to clean up your technique or learn something totally new, then I can offer you the insight and instruction you need to become THE BEST YOU CAN BE!