About

Teaching Philosophy

“ I believe that everything can be taught through positive reinforcement. To play cello well, you need discipline, tenacity and lots of hard work, but unlike other activities, these essential elements for success can be learned with joy and fun. I believe in bringing to music learning a positive attitude towards the hard work, with fun in the process.  And I believe that once this balance is achieved, it is one of the greatest contributions to a healthy and happy life.”

About Thomas

Thomas was born and raised in the south of France and started playing cello at the age of 8.

After graduating from the Conservatory of Dijon at age 17, he studied with Maestro Helene Dautry in Paris, at the Conservatory of Fresnes. Soon after he was awarded a full scholarship  to study at the Royal College of Music of London in the United Kingdom., with Maestro Jerome Pernoo

During his time in England Thomas was fortunate to play along side  some of the greatest artists, including Joshua Bell and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Sir Norrington, Bernard Haitink, and many other.

Thomas moved to the United States to join his wife Kimberly after getting married in 2016.

In 2017 Thomas became the cello teacher at UNA in Florence Alabama, Orchestra director at the Florence Academy of Fine arts and the principal cello of the Shoal Symphony.

In 2020, Thomas was awarded the cello position for the Capstone String quartet at the University of  Alabama, Tuscaloosa.

Thomas now shares his time between Florence and Tuscaloosa. When he  is not working, his favorite activity is being a husband and a father.

Credentials

  • Graduate from Royal College of Music of London, Paris Conservatory of Fresnes and Dijon Conservatory.
  • Currently finishing a Doctoral degree at UA.
  • Gold medals from Dijon and Fresnes Conservatory.
  • 1st Prize for Virtuosity and 1st Prize for Excellence from Conservatory of Fresnes
  • 1st Prize from Ealing International Chamber msc Competition and 2nd Prize from Glazunov International cello competition.
  • Principal cello for Classical Chamber Concert Orchestra, California and Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Alabama
  • Founder of Alabama Cello society, founder and artistic director of the Maternik Foundation for children in Hospitals, and artistic director for ARCH foundation for the elderly.