Over 25 Years of Exceptional Service
A little more from John:
Music was a part of my childhood as far back as I can remember; my siblings played piano and my older brother played trombone. As early as the age of three I was fascinated with the trombone, and felt honored to turn the pages of my brother’s music. I really wanted to play the trombone myself … which I did as soon as I could join the grammar school band.
In high school I also became interested in instrument repair, and hung out at the local repair shop — watching, asking questions, and helping with basic repair on school band instruments.
I moved to the Santa Cruz area in 1984, working at several jobs. While still in my 20s, the experience of dealing with a personal health crisis lead me to seriously question what I really wanted to do with my life. I made the decision then to pursue a career in music full time, and have been active in the local music scene continually since then.
In 1991 I began a focused apprenticeship at Four Winds Music in Santa Cruz, and in 1994 founded my own business, Thomas Musical Instruments. In addition to the business itself, I’ve always been personally invested the arts and education in Santa Cruz and Montery Counties.
In 1994 I organized the Santa Cruz City Band, a community band that performed concerts of high standards and varied repertoire for 25 over years.
I’ve taught music in the Santa Cruz City Schools and Pajaro Valley School District, and teach private lessons as well.
I’m a performing musician, having played across a wide variety of genres ranging from Renaissance and early Baroque to classical, music theater, and jazz, with groups including the Santa Cruz County Symphony, Chamber Players, Antiquarian Funks, Cabrillo Stage and Concert Band, and Santa Cruz Brass Quintet.
I’ve also served on the board of directors for the Santa Cruz Youth Symphony and SC Jazz Festival, led cultural exchanges with the Santa Cruz Sister Cities program.
I welcome opportunities to partner with community organizations and projects.
Let’s make music!
-John Thomas
Thomas Musical Instruments is widely known for providing quality instrument repair and services, specializing in brass and woodwinds.
Located in Santa Cruz, California, we serve a broad variety of customers throughout the Monterey Bay Area, Northern California and beyond, including beginning students, serious amateurs and professional musicians.
We also offer used instruments for sale.
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