Independent Nashville TN drummer and drum teacher.
Overview:
Since 1973, Tom has been involved in a multitude of professional musical activities including touring, teaching and studio recording. Tom has worked in many music styles including Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz, Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Prog, Commercials/Jingles and Fusion. Tom has toured extensively in the US, Canada and Europe. TV appearances include Nashville Now, On Stage, The Grand Ole Opry TV Show, the Crook & Chase Show, music videos that have appeared on CMT, and a national TV commercial.
Tom is originally from Washington, D. C., and received a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. Tom is currently located in Nashville, having previously worked in Washington D. C., Boston and Los Angeles.
Tom has been teaching drums and percussion for over 35 years. Tom has consistently maintained a full schedule of individual one-on-one private weekly drum lessons with emphasis on musicality, artistic interpretation and proper technique. Tom’s philosophy is to nurture personal growth and musical confidence. He strives to foster self-esteem and the life long enjoyment of musical experiences and performance skills. Lessons are tailored to fit the specific needs and abilities of each of his individual students. All levels, ages and abilities are welcome. Tom has extensive experience in preparing students for a wide range of musical opportunities including grade school, high school, college and professional concert bands, marching bands, jazz bands and rock bands. Many of his students have gone on to major or minor in music at various colleges and universities. Tom has helped many students pursue a professional career in music.
Tom is also a band director for the JAM “Kids On Stage†program at the Battle Ground Academy, in Franklin, TN.
Tom is a member of the Vic Firth PDT (Private Drum Teacher) Education Team.
Tom is a member of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild.
Professional Experience:
Tom has played drums with:
Country artists Trisha Yearwood, Clay Walker, Kylie Harris, Keith Urban, Darryl and Don Ellis, Blake Shelton, Stella Parton, Brent Rowan, Buddy Spicher and Johnny Russell;
Bluegrass great Rhonda Vincent, and violin sensation DeAnn Whalen;
Jazz artists Fred Hersch, Jaki Byard and The Apollo Stompers , Bill Watrous, The Phil Wilson Big Band, Ken Hitchcock (of Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Elvin Jones, Louie Bellson), Bob Read (of Bruce Hornsby, Trapezoid), Scott Martin (of Carly Simon, Mariah Carey, Philip Bailey, and Steps Ahead), Mike Stern, Marian MacPartland, Bob Griffin, Jerome Harris, Dr. Clyde Criner III, Marty Ehrlich, Frank and Diane Marino, Woody Lingle, Ross Krutsinger, Walter Scott, Jim Hoke, Darryl Dybka, Tomo Fujita, The Wolftrap Jazz Ensemble, The Medium Rare Big Band, The University of Miami Jazz Ensemble with Jerry Cocker conducting, and The Langley Jazz Lab;
Guitarist/Composer Frank Zappa - twice - one audition, once in the recording studio;
Innovative Guitarists: Gary Talley (founding member of The Box Tops), Robin Crow (Owner of Dark Horse Recording), Mike Gallaher (of Adrien Belew and Joe Cocker), Duke Levine (of Mary Chapin Carpenter), 2 time Grammy winner Dennis Scott, virtuoso guitarist Bill Kotapish, Anthony Terrezza, guitarist/singer Gordon Payne (of Buddy Holly's "The Crickets"), Cliff Goodwin (of Joe Cocker), and Argentina's great Ricardo Soule;
Bass Players: Willie Weeks (of Donny Hathaway, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers, etc.), Mike Chapman (of Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, etc.), Byron House (of Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Dixie Chicks), Dave Jacques (of John Prine), Roy Vogt;
Funk/Pop multi-instrumentalist virtuoso and vocalist Ellis Hall (of Tower of Power), and funk band Phluph;
Percussionists: world renowned Efrain Toro, and studio great Tom Roady;
Rock/pop artist Carolyn Sledge, and popular rock bands Zonkaraz and The Shades;
Progressive rock bands Black Orchid, Ancient Moon Orchestra, guitarist Tim Tanner, and composer/musician Peter Princiotto;
R&B artist Clifford Curry, Holly Farris (of James Brown's Band, and Steve Winwood) and R&B groups The 12th Avenue South Band, Wilber and the Dukes, The Beatmeters, The Craig Duncan Big Band, and The Flamboyants;
Blues artists Dwight Perry, and John D'Amato;
Singer/songwriters Jill Sobule, Robin Eaton, Dana Cooper and Tim Jenkins;
Australian artist Kevin "Bloody" Wilson;Punk/Rock group Disturbing the Peace
Tours:
Tom has toured extensively in the US, Canada and Europe. TV appearances include Nashville Now, On Stage, The Grand Ole Opry TV Show, the Crook & Chase Show, music videos that have appeared on CMT, and a national TV commercial.
Current Endorsements:
Zildjian Cymbals
Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets
REMO Drumheads and World Percussion
KAT Alternate Mode MIDI percussion controllers
Drum Lessons:
Tom gives drum lessons in the Nashville, TN and Franklin, TN area on the drumset, snare, bells and percussion to all ages and all levels. Tom has consistently maintained a full schedule of individual one-on-one private weekly drum lessons with emphasis on musicality, artistic interpretation and proper technique. Tom’s philosophy is to nurture personal growth and musical confidence. He strives to foster self-esteem and the life long enjoyment of musical experiences and performance skills. Lessons are tailored to fit the specific needs and abilities of each of his individual students. All levels, ages and abilities are welcome. Tom has extensive experience in preparing students for a wide range of musical opportunities including grade school, high school, college and professional concert bands, marching bands, jazz bands and rock bands. Many of his students have gone on to major or minor in music at various colleges and universities. Tom has helped many students pursue a professional career in music. Examples include Ryan Pruitt of international touring "Beggars Fortune", Andy Settembrini of "Cowboy Dynamite", Tim Provence, drumset performance major at Belmont University, Logan Shillinglaw IV, center snare drummer for the Fred J. Page High School drumline, Nick Sanft, drummer for Franklin High School marching band.
Tom is a band director for the JAM “Kids On Stage†program at the Battle Ground Academy, in Franklin, TN.
Tom is a member of the Vic Firth PDT (Private Drum Teacher) Education Team.
Tom is a member of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild.
Drum Lesson References:
Student - Ryan Pruitt - Professional touring drummer with Beggars Fortune, Art For Sale
Tom Grignon is a great teacher of the technical aspects of drumming. He really helped me through one of the most studied times in my drumming career. And of course, always teaching to a metronome. The way it should be done! Written by Ryan Pruitt.
Student – Evan H. - Graduate of Page High School
Student – Jackson H. - Page Middle School
Tom Grignon is an excellent drum instructor. His knowledge of the instrument is superior. He relates to children of all ages. Both of my boys took lessons from Tom during middle school and some through high school. They always enjoyed their lessons for two reasons: 1. They loved the knowledge they received and 2. They loved that Tom was interested in them as a person and talked about other things that were going on in their life. He is definitely an excellent role model. I also teach public school music and have recommended Tom to my students that are interested in drum lessons and will continue to recommend him. Written by Charlotte H. - Music Teacher at Oakview Elementary.
Student - Maya W. - Frankin High School
Tom is a terrific teacher and a wonderful drummer to match. I came into the lessons knowing only the bare basics about playing the drums, and his teachings were crystal clear and easy to follow. Every time I come to a lesson I can tell that this is his passion, and that he has lived his whole life around music. Without a doubt, he is an amazing instructor for any age or skill level. Written by Maya W.
Student – Luke L. - Hunters Bend Elementary School
Student – Robin L. - Adult
I cannot say enough great things about our drum instructor Tom Grignon! It has been a joy to watch my son thrive under Tom's direction. Tom's musical talent, extensive teaching experience, and great interpersonal skills are demonstrated at every lesson. Tom puts 100% effort into making sure that every student is learning a solid technical foundation, having fun, and developing both musically and as an individual. Tom's kind and reassuring style has been great for my son's confidence, and the musical instruction he has received has been phenomenal. He is also teaching me to rock out on the drums! Thanks Tom! Written by Robin L.
Student – Taylor H. - Graduate of Franklin High School
Tom Grignon has been my one and only drum teacher for six years. I really enjoy taking lessons from him. His teaching style is easy to understand, and I like the fact that we work on all different kinds of music. Because of his teaching, I have had the opportunity to play in a couple of venues in Franklin. Written by Taylor H.
Student – Andy B. - Grassland Middle School
Tom has instructed our son, Andy, in private drum lesson since March of 2007. During this time he has delivered patient and encouraging instruction in set, snare, bells, as well as music theory and ear training. His teaching style is positive and supportive and yet he warmly communicates a high degree of expectation for students in their practice and continued productivity. Mr. Grignon often models his own impressive talents and skills as an encouragement to Andy, which our son always finds exciting. Even though my husband and I are also musicians, we love to compare what we have also learned while observing Andy’s lessons.
Mr. Grignon is very organized and extremely dependable, having never missed a scheduled lesson. At the same time he has been flexible with our changing school schedules and is always understanding of our needs to establish new lesson times whenever possible.
We are very grateful for Mr. Grignon as a friend and partner in the musical education of our son. We would be happy to recommend his instruction to anyone looking for quality instruction in percussion at any level. Written by Jeff and Carol B. - professional musicians.
Student – Sean K. - Graduate of Brentwood High School
The overall experience is one that is very uplifting. Tom is always encouraging no matter how much you may struggle learning any particular drum beat, and this encouragement always helps me to practice hard until I am able to succeed at the task. I actually finally got in a band for a bit towards the end of school and had a blast with it! Written by Sean K.
Student – Tim P. - Music Major at Belmont University, Graduate of Brentwood High School
When Tim started percussion lessons, all of us needed much guidance into the world of percussion. Tom has been a great teacher for Tim. His insight and expertise helped form Tim’s love for this area of music. Although Tim showed skill and talent, Tom was the driving force that helped mold him musically. Tim speaks highly of Tom with great respect, and we know that Tim values Tom’s advice for his career in music. The confidence that Tom instilled in Tim for his percussion performances will stay with him his lifetime. We thank Tom for sharing his skill and experiences with Tim, and for his guidance to us as parents. Written by Dr. and Mrs. T. P.
Student – David B. - Franklin High School
Tom Grignon is by far the best teacher I have personally ever had - musically or otherwise. His incredible skill as a drummer is astounding, as well as his patience, ability to teach and friendliness. I have taken drum lessons with Tom for over 7 years. I would not be one third of the drummer I am now without his guidance and teaching. I would immediately recommend Tom for anyone starting out, or any drummer anywhere else in their career. Written by David B.
Student – Taylor C. - Grassland Middle School
Tom Grignon is a drum instructor whose environment, demeanor and method allow his students to feel at ease. Because the students are relaxed, they are not only able to learn percussion skills but are able to develop a genuine love for drumming. Tom is a natural motivator, confidence builder, and knowledgeable teacher. We have felt blessed to have him mentor our drummer! Written by Barbara C.
Student – Colleen K. - Graduate of Battle Ground Academy
My daughter took drum lessons from Tom in Middle School. She is a rather shy individual, but as her competency grew (which didn’t take long!) she became a member of a 60’s cover band that performed in Leipers Fork at the Backyard Theatre, in the Franklin parade, and at several community events.I attribute this all to Tom. His quiet manner instilled a great confidence in Colleen regarding her drumming ability. He took the time to help her through the rough spots, and was “cool†enough to keep her interest.I would recommend Tom to anyone! Written by Cathy K.
Student – Matt L. - Page High School
Tom Grignon has been providing drum lessons for our son Matthew since January 2008. We feel that our son’s playing has improved greatly during the time he has been working with Tom. Our son finds Tom to be quite approachable and patient during lessons. Tom is extremely organized, and we feel that he takes advantage of every minute of the lesson. He is dependable and is very good at communication with scheduling changes. We are happy to recommend Mr. Grignon as an instructor for drum lessons. Written by Deborah and Robert L.
Other Web Site:
Also please visit: www.tomgrignon.com