Artist Statement

Being an artist is not something I do, it is who I am. It is my art that best defines me as a person, and it is through my art that I can inspire and motivate others. My vision as an artist combines my technical and musical expertise with an unprecedented style of visually stimulating performance — wild and emotional, yet technically precise and compositionally sound. It is a unique performance form blending cinematic imagery, tribal ritual, and lyrical composition.My music is a sonic and visual feast for the senses!

Another unique aspect of my work is the amount of instruments I perform at one time. Often times I will be performing on keyboard, drums, cymbals, leg bells, and electronics all at once. Students are amazed both at the sounds produced, and the energy and coordination it takes to produce them.

With a new performance form, I believe that it is important to create work that appeals to an audience. My work is accessible and well received by the widest of demographics — from students, to adults, to seniors. I create an experience that engages the audience in way that instills a sense of unity and connection between performer and audience.This is art that speaks directly to your emotions.
 

Tom's Urban Gateways touring performances include:

Sharpe World Music

Educational Philosophy

The process of bringing cultural arts to every student is a vital part of their growth and development. Education in the arts brings forth an appreciation of our rich cultural heritage. A strong foundation in the arts fosters such qualities as teamwork, confidence, and critical thinking. These traits are essential elements that benefit both children and adults whether or not they pursue an artistic career. I often hear from teachers that after my concerts or clinics that there is an energy from the students that was not there before, and a stronger desire to learn and improve their own skills.

Although my training is strongly rooted within the orchestral genre, my work “rocks” without being “rock” music. Students relate to its energy while teachers and parents relate to the obvious high art that is only achieved through education and commitment. I lead by the example of what is possible when you stay true to your path and do not let outside distractions overtake your true artist self. This message is effective for students and adults alike.
 

Artist Bio

Tom Sharpe is an internationally recognized, award-winning composer, performer, and recording artist.  He is a sought out clinician and performer of his own works, and the artistic director and principal performer of the SHARPE WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLE.  Along with his own music, Tom is also the drummer for the widely popular, Grammy award winning group, MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER, as well as DENNIS DEYOUNG, the legendary singer/songwriter/pianist, formerly of the famed rock group STYX.  Tom is a former member of the popular Chicago based group JELLYEYE DRUM THEATRE, and of the CIVIC ORCHESTRA OF CHICAGO. Tom currently resides in the Chicagoland area.

Tom is an alumnus of the Interlochen Arts Academy, and holds the degrees Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from DePaul University in Chicago.  He has spent years developing his unique style of visually stimulating performance and lyrical composition.  A classically trained musician, Tom has 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.

Tom's debut CD "Like Setting Myself on Fire" was released to critical acclaim.  The title track of the CD was voted “Grand Prize Winner” - World Music Song of the Year by the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.  "Trance-formation”, another album track, received honors as one of three finalists in the same category.  Tom also won the 2007 Broadjam World Music Contest with “The Burning Sands”, and has been honored as a finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition and the Unisong International Songwriting Competition. He has also received outstanding achievement awards in composition from VH1, Disc Makers, and the Great American Songwriting Contest.

Tom performed the world premiere of "Like Setting Myself on Fire" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH.  He was a featured artist at the 2004 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, and at the Nashville New Music Conference in Nashville, TN, for two consecutive years.  In 2005 Tom was featured in the PBS Special “Arts Across Illinois”.  In 2006 and 2007 Tom provided the live soundtrack for Dance Chicago’s World Rhythms and Dance series, International Rhythms series, and Grand Finale 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 in March 2007, and premiered his first symphony for world percussion with his ensemble and the Elmhurst College Choir in concert in April 2007. In 2008, Tom performed at the “Great Performers of Illinois” festival in Millennium Park, Chicago. 2009–2012 has found Tom performing live as a solo artist, with his ensemble, with Mannheim Steamroller, and Dennis DeYoung, as well as guest appearances with Lenny Kravitz, Martha Davis of the MOTELS, and American Idol favorite David Archuletta.  His national television performances include NBC’s Pandora Unforgettable Moments on Ice, the Oprah Winfrey Show, A+E, Nightline, PBS, and WGN.  Tom is endorsed and represented by the Yamaha Corporation of America, Sabian Cymbals, Vater Sticks and Mallets, Aquarian Drum Heads, HipTrix Glowing Percussion, the Illinois Arts Council, and Urban Gateways Center for Arts Education.

Links

• www.tomsharpe.com
• www.facebook.com/tomsharpemusic