Tom Farrell began performing at the age of fifteen in the Chicago death metal scene. His interest in metal paved the way to an obsession with classical music. While the breadth of his work as a soloist and chamber musician has been in classical, jazz, and world music, Tom's curiosity extends to other genres not only as a performer but as composer and passionate educator as well.
While studying the guitar at Northwestern, Tom had the opportunity to perform in master classes with a multitude of world class artists. In the summer of 2000, Tom was accepted into the famous master class taught by Oscar Ghiglia at the Academia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Tom fell in love with Italy, returning for extended periods at a time to study the language and culture, going so far as herding and milking sheep for a Sardinian sheep farmer. Regardless of his role in life, Tom believes that music is the study and expression of human spirit and that the awareness and presence it brings forth creates a vital element in our world.
Education:
MM in Guitar Performance and Pedagogy, Northwestern University, 2001
BM in Guitar Performance, DePaul University, 1999
Awards:
First Place, Society of American Musicians, Classical Guitar Competition, 2000
