About.
Tom Cooney is a dynamic singer-songwriter, guitarist, music instructor, and podcast creator. He performs original and cover music in Contemporary Folk, Blues, and Jazz styles. Tom is a versatile musician with strong vocal and guitar skills. He has decades of music experience, and his insights and joy of playing come through in every performance.
Tom plays at clubs and pubs, dinner lounges, festivals, weddings, senior and assisted living facilities, and private parties. He also performs at songwriter showcases, such as Godfrey Daniels and the Martin Guitar Songwriters Showcase ArtsFest.
Tom also plays in duo, trio and band settings. His college years' band was Rotchford, Cooney and Davis, with outstanding musicians Tom Rotchford and Lou Davis. He played in the Cooney-Kirkner Duo, with excellent musician and guitarist Bill Kirkner. Tom's trio project, the Acoustic Blues Project, with Lehigh Valley PA musicians Leon Bonam on bass and Earl Andrews on harmonica, has opened the Lehigh River Blues Jam, and Jamageddon. He has also had the joy and honor of playing with the outstanding musician and keyboardist Gene Galligan on different dates and projects.
Lessons.
Tom teaches guitar and music theory. He works with each student to create a flexible lesson plan based on the student's goals and interests. Tom's teaching philosophy is "Applied Music", where the focus is always playing, and applying what is being learned to the fingerboard in real-time. The emphasis is on learning how to play songs, read chord charts, create your own chord patterns, and explore the guitar. Improvisation is also taught, and creativity is strongly encouraged. Note reading can also be taught.
Tom teaches acoustic and electric guitar. He also teaches live virtual lessons via computer. His rates are reasonable, and accommodations can be made for families in need of consideration. Tom has his State of Pennsylvania clearances, and also teaches at summer youth music camps.
