Tom Newman is a native Washingtonian who started formally studying guitar at age 15 and turned professional before his 16th birthday. “I can remember traveling to Northern Virginia from Northwest DC by myself when I was 15 to practice for performances I had with guys three times my age.” His independence and maturity landed him many performance and learning opportunities at a young age. He attended Howard University and started teaching at the age of 18 years old. While at Howard, he recorded the hit record “Let’s Do the Latin Hustle" with Eddie Drennon and BBS Unlimited Band which formed in 1976. After graduation and through the years, he has played with such greats as Stanley Turrentine, Wilson Pickett, Roy Ayers, Lloyd Price and many others.   As a teacher, he taught in D.C. Public Schools for 20 years as well as in his own private studio, private music schools and Bowie State University. Tom is a much sought after musician, be it in a live or studio situation. He is also a clinician having developed various workshops.

   His latest endeavor, The Tom Newman Project is a multi-styled musical ensemble.  The group can go from Tom playing solo guitar to a progressive jazz trio/quartet to an eight piece vocal based group. The Tom Newman Project features music’s best of the best in Maryland, Washington, DC and VA, one of the best being vocalist Bryant “Lou” Roberts.