Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Griggs.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started playing guitar at 16. I was a skate rat who roamed the city skating stairs and whatever I could find to do tricks on. My friends at the time were in bands and introduced me to hardcore music. I quickly became obsessed with the bad The Fall of Troy. Their raw unique sound of hardcore mixed with the idea of improvisation have pick up guitar. From there I went to college at the University of Tampa where I got my degree in classical guitar, and then after went to Berklee College of Music in Boston to study jazz. I then moved back home to Tampa where I hit the gigging scene and quickly made a name for myself here. I posted a lot of really nerdy guitar videos on Instagram where I caught the eye of some heavy hitters. I then went on tour with Intervals that lasted about 2 years. Now I am a session musician and play a lot with smooth jazz artists. I am also recording some original music and releasing more soon.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If it’s a smooth road then you’re not doing it right! The bumps are what you learn from and grow from!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a guitarist. I specialize in jazz, classical, prog, fusion, blues, and gospel styles.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Pay your dues. Practice all the time. Play gigs that have music you don’t like. You’ll learn the most from doing things you typically wouldn’t.
Pricing:
- $75 an hour private lessons
- Recording sessions starting at $250 a track
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @griggly_bear
