Tom has taught mandolin, guitar and music theory for over thirty years. 

He teaches adults and children, using methods that utilize sheet music, tabulature, and ear training. These methods are designed to develop the foundations for accompanying the human voice and mastering new tunes and improvisational techniques. His students range from beginners learning to read music to advanced players looking to hone their skills or learn a new genre. For songwriters, in his lessons as in his production services, Tom also helps to improve song structure and arrangement.

Tom is accomplished in many fingerstyles and flatpicking styles. His specialties are traditional music, bluegrass, Irish tunes, and fingerstyle blues, but he also teaches and performs classical, folk, and fingerstyle jazz music. Tom has performed in many of his own ensembles including New Morning String Band, Nothin' Doin', and Lulu's Fate. He has also performed and recorded with many other artists, including Bruce Hornsby, Stephen Bennett, Peter Rowan, Mac Wiseman, Jethro Burns and has done workshops with Bill Monroe.

Lessons are $25 per half hour or $50 per hour, and are held at the House of Musical Traditions music studio in Takoma Park, MD, or at the instructor's residence in Chevy Chase, MD.