We were lucky to catch up with Tom Fong recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tom, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose when I realized I could use music to express my feelings or thoughts. As a guy who isn’t good at speech, I found that music is a tool for me to communicate with people. More importantly, I like playing and writing music and I enjoy the process of making it.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Tom Fong. I’m a music producer and composer. I was born and raised in Macau, a former Portuguese colony, my musical journey began with piano lessons at seven, later transitioning to the guitar.
After high school, I came to the U.S. and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance and certificates in Audio Production and Post-Production from Musicians Institute (MI). I later completed my Master’s degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar at the USC Thornton School of Music. While I was in USC, I met my mentor and writing partner, Andy Abad, who brought me to the Film and TV world.
We have been working together for almost 2 years now and we have already accomplished two main themes and an end credit song for films and TVs. Besides all that, I also served as co-music director with my brother for artists.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I attribute much of my growth to three key elements. First and foremost, resilience played a pivotal role. Despite my initial reluctance to learn the piano, the unwavering support and strict encouragement from my mother propelled me forward, laying the foundational stones for my musical journey. My advice to those embarking on their own path is to view challenges as opportunities for growth and maintain a positive mindset.
Secondly, diverse musical exploration at Musicians Institute expanded my horizons in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Early on, I exposed myself to a multitude of genres and techniques, fostering creativity and versatility. I recommend others do the same to discover their unique musical identity.
Lastly, mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my trajectory. My mentors have provided invaluable guidance. For those starting their journey, seeking mentors, actively learning from others, and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning are crucial.
To those at the beginning of their musical journey, my advice is to stay open-minded, build a supportive community, embrace challenges as opportunities for improvement, seek mentorship, and above all, nurture a curiosity that fuels your passion for music.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most influential action my parents took was fostering discipline and resilience within me. Despite my initial reluctance and the urge to quit piano lessons when faced with advanced challenges, my mother’s unwavering insistence on continuing until I achieved an 8th-grade piano certificate from ABRSM became a cornerstone in my musical journey. This early emphasis on perseverance and discipline has played a crucial role in overcoming challenges and pursuing my passion for music throughout my life. Additionally, their unwavering support has been a constant source of encouragement, contributing significantly to the success of my musical journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomfong/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomfongmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtUdvv-Vr7kRSHE7TU1m7Og?view_as=subscriber
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tom-fong
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gVx7nLIXypTiUAlKAlpiM?si=VabF864TSg2KT777G8sdyA
