Other Information
About Tom Alteen
(Photo by
Christopher
Deacon, 2019)
Tom grew up in Corner Brook and developed a passion for drums at an early age. He got out of the basement at the age of 15 with the local band, Red Eye. Tom later went on to drum for Crosstown Traffic, Cadillac, the Three of Clubs, and Prosser’s Rock. He currently drums with Dunungbe, a West African djembe and doundoun performance group based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Musubi Drum Circles is an opportunity for Tom Alteen to combine his drumming, education, teaching, and Aikido experiences to serve the community.
"I consider every drummer that ever played before me an influence, in every way." - Buddy Rich
Drumminng Photos
Education and Training
Tom's qualifications include:
- Remo HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming Facilitation Training (Frank Thompson, 2020)
- Village Music Circles Certificate East Coast Facilitators Intensive Training (Arthur Hull and Nellie Hill, 2018)
- Certificate Drum Circle Leadership Training Level I (Jim Donovan and sponsored by St. Francis University, 2014)
- Certificate in Primary Health Care Collaboration (Dalhousie University and Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2008)
- Diploma in Information Technology (Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2002)
- Bachelors Degree in Vocational Education (Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1993)
- Masters Degree in Business Administration (Dalhousie University, 1981)
- Bachelors Degree in Business Administration (St. Francis Xavier University, 1979)
(T-B, L-R: with Frank Thompson, Arthur Hull, Nellie Hill, Jim Donovan and Michael Deaton)
Other Percussion Teaching Influences
Tom's percussion teaching influences include:
- Dave Averre (Portland, OR)
- M'bemba Bangoura (Queens, NY)
- Robin Boers (Toronto), ON
- Ewald Hajek (Corner Brook), NL
- Barry James (Orlando, FL)
- Louis Pocock (London, UK)
- Denny Solo (Corner Brook, NL)
- Ron Tierno (New York City), NY
- Anthony Tucker (St. John's), NL
- Don Wherry (St. John's, NL)
Tom is a strong believer in lifelong learning and seeks out drumming related workshops, clinics, circles, and other learning opportunities.
(Top, L-R: with Zale Seck, 2019; Barry James, 2018; Dave Averre, 2020;
and Anthony Tucker, 2019
Bottom, L-R: with Jorge Luis Torres, 2014; M'bemba Bangoura, 2013; Benny Greb, 2013;
and Chris Sutherland, 2018)
To gain some insights regarding Musubi Drum Circles' clients and gigs, please see:
Teaching Experiences
- Chief Instuctor (Dojo-Cho, Fukushidoin)/Instructor, Fudoshin Aikikai, St. John's, NL (2004 - 2008)
- Part-time Faculty Member, Memorial University of Newfoundland's Faculty of Business Administration, St. John's, NL. Tom taught Business Communications, B2000. (1995–2000)
- Chief Instuctor (Dojo-Cho), Hydro Aikikai, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, St. John's, NL (1993 - 2004)
- Guest Instuctor, MUN Aikikai, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL (Summer 1992)
- Management Informantion Systems (MIS) Education Leader/General Instructor, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, St. John's, NL (1985 - 1989)
Martial Arts
Tom began practicing Aikido in 1985 and is a Third Degree Blackbelt (Sandan) with the United States Aikido Federation.
Besides practicing Tai Chi and Archery from time-to-time over the years, Tom is currently a member of the:
- Canadian Kendo Federation (Iaido)
- East End Aikido Dojo
- Fudoshin Aikikai
- The Rock Kendo Club (Iaido)
- United States Aikido Federation
(Top, Centre: with Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu, 1992)
Tom is well versed in the traditional relaxation and warm-up techniques that are used pre- and post- martial arts practice.
Updated on: January 12, 2021
