Tom Ray, Guitar and Ukulele

Tom received his bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance from Baldwin Wallace University (BW), studying under Dr. Loris Chobanian; he has his master’s degree in classical guitar at the Cleveland Institute of Music under Jason Vieaux and Colin Davin. His musical influences and teaching styles cover a broad cross-section, including shred, classical, blues, jazz, rock, fingerstyle, and more.

Tom has taught guitar, bass, ukulele, songwriting, and theory to students of all ages for more than 15 years in Cleveland at Aurora School of Music, in New York City at Encore Music Lessons and Music, Dance & Art School of Douglaston, and in New Jersey at Believe in Music Studio. While in Austin, he was hired to take over a well-established studio at Don’t Stop Rockin’ and helped the studio expand while participating in rock and roll camps designed to give young musicians real-world experience in the field of music performance. 

Tom has performed in many different settings including performing Concerto for Electric Guitar, which was composed for him by Dr. Chobanian. He has also performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City, played the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, and has performed in over 50 pit orchestras. Since returning to Cleveland after a decade away, Tom has performed in the pit for Kinky Boots at BW, performs weekly as a jazz duo with his wife at District in Playhouse Square, and has performed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

“My Friday afternoon lessons with Tom are truly a highlight of my entire week…Tom has worked with me in becoming much more proficient, especially in regards to the right hand…I can honestly state that every etude or piece I've studied with Tom has been an absolute enjoyment.”

- Jeanne