What fromstudents are saying about Tom…

“I had the pleasure of studying with Mr. Tom Mackey from middle school through my senior year at Linn-Mar High School. I feel grateful to have found such an amazing and inspiring teacher to start me off with excellent technique, work ethic, professionalism, and valuable opportunities. As an active percussionist and educator in Toronto, I often think back to Mr. Mackey’s helpful instructional advice as I perform and teach my own students. He is a kind instructor who knows how to encourage his students to reach their full potential. Mr. Mackey helped me learn my first drumset groove, orchestral excerpt, four-mallet marimba solo, and much more. As a well-rounded educator, he also helped me prepare for All-State, multiple honor bands, Birch Creek Percussion and Steel Band Academy, Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, Orchestra Iowa, The University of Iowa percussion program, as well as graduate school auditions. He is a mentor for life and is a true example of someone who excels as a performer and educator. ”

— Dr. Michelle Colton, Ontario Percussive Arts Society, President

University of Toronto, Percussion Preparatory Department Director, Freelance

Percussionist in Toronto| www.michellecolton.com

“I’ve known Tom since fall of 2010.  First he started out as my teacher.  His pragmatic and consistent approach to developing his students at a technical and musical level helped build a strong foundation for me to build on throughout high school and into my collegiate studies.  His attention to detail allows for him in his teaching to efficiently move along lessons without delays.  I also have been able to work with Tom in multiple performance settings, and I can tell you without hesitation that Tom is an extremely thoughtful artist.  Among many things his sense of touch, rhythm and feel from the xylophone to the drum set always draw me in as a listener and even when performing side-by-side.  It is always such a pleasure to play alongside Tom.”

— Keith Hammer, BM and MM

Shepherd School of Music

Rice University, Class of 2018 and 2020

“Studying with Tom Mackey was one of the most formative experiences of my musical life. From Tom, I learned both valuable musical skills and life skills. He gave me all of the tools I needed to prepare for college scholarship auditions, solo contest, and any important performance. Tom is a first-rate musician, educator, and person. I am eternally grateful for his mentorship and consider myself very fortunate to have learned from him.”

— Andy McDonald , Director of Bands at Highland

Community School District in Riverside, Iowa

“I started lessons with Tom in 7th grade in order to improve my classical percussion skills. From the beginning, lessons had always been highly focused and efficient. Week to week, learning objectives were clear and concise, and a well-rounded curriculum was maintained involving the whole spectrum of percussion instruments. Tom teaches in a calm and straightforward manner, and always provides honest feedback. I have had many opportunities in music because of his guidance which ultimately led me to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tom’s instruction.”

— Gus Brown, Percussion Major at Indiana University