Current Projects
A large amount of his work is with Matt Mauser in the Sinatra Big Band, with Pete Jacobs in his bands, and with Tony Guerrero for worship music, live jazz, and recording sessions. As a bandleader, Tom leads R&B Gospel group Alva & Praise for their Gospel Dinners as well as his own groups, the Tom Dante Trio, the Tom Dante Quartet, and 5-piece jazz-fusion group The Dante Set. Additionally, he plays with jazz artists Dean Grech, Greg Vail, and Jay Gore. He also records with his original rock/punk band Human Haggis.
He played worship music at Journey Church in Irvine, CA. He previously played at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA for 14 years, primarily in the Praise Gospel venue, but also for many recording sessions, live events, and broadcasts.
Tom taught music at Orange County School of the Arts in the Popular Music Conservatory for 4 years.
Lastly, Tom teaches private lessons at both his studio and at students’ homes.
Other Work
Tom plays and records with Tom Brooks of Integrity Music, David Pack of Ambrosia, and has done some travel dates with John Tesh. Lastly, he works as a clinician for Yamaha Worship Resources. He has recorded and performed with Abe Laboriel, Paul Jackson Jr., Michael Landau, Sheila E, Larry Carlton, Bob Somma, Baby do Brazil, Morris Chapman, Rick Muchow, Melvin Davis, Charles Billingsley, Rick Tatum, and many more.
Education
Tom attended the famed Dick Grove School of Music for Drumset Studies. He also attended both Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton and was involved in their music programs.
Personal Highlights
Tom started piano lessons when he was six years old. He made drums his primary instrument in jr. high so that he could join the high school marching band with his friends. His first paid gig came at 16 years old, playing the drum solo from “Sing, Sing, Sing” for a locally produced cable TV commercial.
Some of his personal highlights include playing for the State Honors Symphony under the direction of Henry Mancini, playing pop and dance music at the North Pole, dancing as Fred Astaire in the Super Bowl XXI Half-Time Show, and playing the Saddleback Town Hall Forum featuring Senators Barack Obama and John McCain for worldwide, multi-network broadcast.