Tom started his banding career aged 6, playing for the St Minver Silver Band, having been encouraged to play by both his grandmother and the then musical director Micky Hunt. 
After progressing into the senior band at an early age, the late Geoff Burton, who later became MD for the band took Tom under his wing, taught, accompanied and helped him gain all of his Grades up to 8, and his Grade 5 theory.

Whilst undertaking this, he became a member of the Cornwall Youth Brass Band and was head hunted to join St Pinnock band, with whom he enjoyed several very successful years. After being headhunted for a final time, Tom was asked to join the St Austell Town Band on principal Horn, where Tom enjoyed four years of playing at the highest level.

Tom has recently taken a back seat in playing, sitting on 1st horn for Roche Brass. He is focusing more on directing and teaching through many different mediums, as a peripatetic teacher, and now, a Musical Director.