Tom Billotto offers jazz and classic pop music arranged for acoustic finger-style guitar for private events.
More than 35 years of musical evolution incorporating an eclectic blend of influences have produced the precise and warm guitar and vocal style of Tom Billotto. “Charlotte’s Best” magazine voted him “Best Local Acoustic” musician… “Tom Billotto plays brilliant guitar and his mellow voice caresses many a song with sweet notes.”
Tom’s sound is often described as “classy”…”tasteful”, and certainly his extensive musical training and influences contribute to these descriptions. At the heart of this sound is Tom’s Classical Guitar – or “finger- style” – technique which uses the right hand fingers to individually pluck the strings, supplying complex melody, rhythm and bass lines simultaneously. Tom’s sound took flight during formal music studies in college, culminating in a Music Performance Degree in Classical Guitar and Voice.
Tom Billotto FAQs
Q. What style of music do you play?
A. Acoustic guitar Jazz and Classic Pop
Q. How many songs do you typically play in a set & what instrument do you play?
A. Approximately twenty pieces per hour – all on acoustic/classical guitar.
Q. Do you play in other configurations?
A. Yes – I can play as a duo and trio (light percussion, additional acoustic guitar, ukulele, or bass)
Q. Why did you become a professional musician?
A. I love creating intimate and beautiful sounds, and the challenge of trying to make six strings sound like a full band, or even an orchestra – melody, bass, chords and rhythm all on one small instrument (organically – without digital assistance). This is what attracted me to classical guitar, jazz and Bossa Nova music when I was young. It’s what led me to pursue a degree in music and it thrills and inspires me to this day. I only play music that I love, and I believe that comes across to the audience in my performances.
Q. Where are you located?
A. Charlotte, NC
Q. Do you travel?
A. Yes
Q. Why should an event professional book you?
A. I play heartfelt, easy-listening music with classical technique, but a nod to well-crafted traditional jazz and popular music of the past. I’m thoroughly dependable, on-time and professional (but relaxed) in my presentation. My repertoire is quite extensive and varied in order to cater to all musical tastes.
Q. Do you have the capability of providing your own sound & lights?
A. I have a very compact but professional PA system but no lights.
