Tom Sharpe

Description

Tom Sharpe is the drummer for the Grammy Award winning group Mannheim Steamroller and an internationally recognized, critically acclaimed composer. He is a sought out performer and clinician, and the creator of his own group, the Tom Sharpe Ensemble. Tom’s compositions have won many awards, including the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the Broadjam World Music Contest. He is alumni of the Interlochen Arts Academy, and holds the degrees Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from DePaul University.

Tom’s original music is a percussive symphony - a sonic and visual feast for the senses. A classically trained musician, Tom has dramatically blended his orchestral background with world music instrumentation and cinematic imagery to create an experience that invites the listener into the heart of the musical moment - wildly emotional and technically precise, with a gutsy edge of percussive frenzy and tribal ritual. Weaving together powerful elements of sound and rhythm, Tom is equally proficient on a vast array of percussion and keyboard instruments. Seamlessly blending genres from Middle Eastern, African, orchestral, and rock music, Tom moves between traditional instrumentation and electronics with ease and precision. With a fresh approach to world music, Tom's high energy, passion, and emotion, combined with superb musicality, leave audiences amazed and inspired!

Work Sample

This is an original composition titled "Boundless". It is a multi percussion piece performed as a soloist, yet intended to have the sound of an ensemble. The piece utilizes both arms and legs to create rhythms and melodies, along with drum triggering from rhythms I created and then sampled. I still perform this piece regularly, however this recording is from 2007. It is a nice representation of the piece from the Dance Chicago festival at the Athenaeum Theatre.

This is an original composition titled "Dancing on the Bones". It was presented by one of my sponsors, Black Swamp Percussion as part of a clinic/performance series called "In the Shop", on location in Zeeland, MI. I still actively perform this piece today. This recording is from 2015, and gives a short example of my interaction with audiences and an informative demonstration of my performances.

This is an example of my work with students in a Clinic or Master Class style format. The presentation is from Gardner Webb University in North Carolina in 2013.

The work samples I submitted are three of my many original compositions, and show an example of the way I use my entire body, as well as a spiritual aura to create my music. I can carry an entire concert as a soloist, keeping the audience engaged with wide range of textures with both sight and sound. My work is also fully scored (written), which gives me great flexibility to work with others in a number of ways, and allows me to perform with varying groups and ensembles, including full orchestras, choirs, percussion ensembles, and band format.

History

Tom's debut album "Like Setting Myself on Fire" was released to critical acclaim.
He performed it's world premiere at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. Tom has been a featured artist at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, and at the Nashville New Music Conference in Nashville, TN. Tom was featured in the PBS Special “Arts Across Illinois”, and he provided the live soundtrack for Dance Chicago’s World Rhythms and Dance series, International Rhythms series, at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago, as well as performed on stage. He was commissioned to write a world music ensemble piece that was performed at the National Percussion Festival in Indianapolis, and premiered his first symphony for world percussion with his ensemble and the Elmhurst College Choir in concert. Tom performed at the “Great Performers of Illinois” festival in Millennium Park, Chicago. 2007–2022 has found Tom performing live nationally as a solo artist, with his ensemble, with symphony orchestras, with Dennis DeYoung of the famed rock group Styx, and his continued 15+ year tenure with Mannheim Steamroller, as well as many guest appearances. His national television performances include NBC’s Pandora Unforgettable Moments on Ice, the Oprah Winfrey Show, A+E, AXS TV, Nightline, PBS, and WGN. Tom was a keynote speaker at the 13th and 16th annual Self Employment in the Arts Conference, and has received a lifetime achievement award from his hometown near Detroit.

Artistic Vision

I have spent years developing a unique style of visually stimulating performance and lyrical composition. As a classically trained musician, I have blended his orchestral background with world music instrumentation and cinematic imagery to create an experience that invites the listener into the heart of the musical moment – wildly emotional and technically precise, with a gutsy edge of percussive frenzy and tribal ritual. The main vision for my work is always surrounded by a desire to be an inspiring role model, with a message that anything is possible.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

I have given concerts to hearing impaired with great success, as the attendees say they can feel the vibration of the music. That, combined with the visual aspect, makes it very effective. I have also played unique places like prison, institutions for the mentally challenged, and schools for troubled youth. My inspiring message has often been thought to give these specific groups hope for their futures.