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Thomas Swenson defies chronological, historical, and cultural boundaries by creating, performing, and advocating diverse styles and genres of music. Beyond his primary career as a college educator in piano, class piano, music theory, and piano

pedagogy he is also a composer of serious and popular styles of music, arranger, soloist, collaborator, producer, studio musician, recording engineer, and program administrator. Synthesizing ideas and materials from intellectual/theoretical sources, spiritual sources, and popular culture Dr. Swenson not only explores unique and profound thoughts, but shares these through writings, presentations, and performances.

Students and participants of workshops are empowered with a greater sense of the meaning and profound influence of music. Through evaluations students consistently respond with enthusiasm how they were encouragingly challenged. An example of his innovative teaching: students in their first semester of college piano classes have been motivated by learning and performing chord progressions from popular music artists such as Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keyes. The intentional interaction between music theory, class piano, and the present culture provide motivation to understand music in

a variety of contexts. Advanced pre-college students have gone on to receive acceptance and scholarships at some of the leading music schools in the country.

In the media Dr. Swenson has been featured on National Public Radio affiliates. Television interviews have sparked further interest as he speaks on current projects and activities. He has been published in print and web-based journals.

Performing a spectrum of music styles, Dr. Swenson performs in formal recital halls, retirement communities and assisted living centers, worship spaces, and schools. Performances may include traditional "classical music," new-age styles, and holiday music. As an accompanist he works with classical and popular music style performers.