Tom Taylor

Instructor in Jazz Guitar

Tom Taylor is an internationally known guitarist/composer and one of the winners of Musician Magazine's "Best Unsigned Band" contest. His winning entry, "Aubade," appears on the self-produced album, THE CROSSING, and is described as "the hardest tune I ever had to record" by mandolin virtuoso David Grisman. When Tom's full orchestral arrangement of "Big Basin Breakdown" (also from THE CROSSING "...an amazing piece"— Christopher Wilkins, former conductor of the Colorado Springs Symphony, current conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra) received its European premier, it brought down the house at the famed Hercules and Prinzregenten theatres in Munich, Germany. Its catchy blend of jazz, bluegrass and baroque melodies received a 5-minute standing ovation!

The Crossing
Featuring guest performances by the Kronos Quartet and David Grisman, Tom Taylor's unique music crosses the boundary between jazz and classical. Using techniques developed by the masters over the last 700 years, Taylor creates fresh, accessible, music that has a timeless yet contemporary sound.

"the rare jazz-classical amalgam that really works"—Ed Kopp, Allaboutjazz.com

"straight 10's"—Joe Satriani
"Taylor's music is a hybrid with integrity"—Joel Selvin, San Francisco Chronicle

"Perfect"—Chris Paton, Musician Magazine

 "A tour de force of styles and feelings"—Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap

"Boldly new mix of classical, jazz, rock and bluegrass. Adventurous."
  —John Schoenberger, Album Network

"luminous"—Bill Milkowski, Acoustic Guitar Magazine

"Ishi Sings was the perfect triumph"—Thomas Wilson, Conductor, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs

"A virtuoso guitarist"—Mark Arnest, Colorado Springs Gazette