Thomas M. E.

Thomas is an accomplished cellist with a broad repertoire including rock, folk, jazz, and baroque. He has played with the Charlotte Civic Orchestra, Central Piedmont Community College Early Music, and Baroque Ensembles. Thomas studied period instruments under Dr. Mira Frisch, Gail Schroeder, Janis Nilsen, Holly Maurer, and Tanja Bechtler while enrolled in the music program at Central Piedmont Community College. He has taken master classes under Alan Black, and Alison Crum. Thomas participated the past three summers in Early Music Workshops held in Cullowhee NC. He plays weekly with the praise band as well as the orchestra at Assurance UMC. Thomas also plays with several bands. In addition to cello and electric cello Thomas plays recorder and Viola de Gamba. In 2009 he played in Conquistadors and Collaboration (early folk and art music in South America) with members of the Charlotte Symphony. Thomas has played in theater productions including Floyd Collins and The Last Five Years. He played for the CAST Theater, Hickory Arts, and in Hickory for special events. Thomas has also performed with the Western Piedmont Symphony. He has played in Founders Hall for Embracing Piazzolla (tango inspired dance music) and has recorded at Rock University/Sioux Sioux Studio for artists Nathan Storey and Arsena Schroede. Thomas is an established, experienced, finely trained, professional musician who somehow finds the time to incorporate teaching into his busy schedule. Thomas is intuitive, innovative and versatile in his teaching methods, taking the time to give the students the care and attention that they need. Thomas instills positive habits and healthy techniques into the student’s routines while paying attention to each child’s different learning styles, interests and abilities. Thomas also teaches piano in addition to cello.