Thomas Smylie's love of music began with listening to, playing and recording acoustic guitar in the early 1970's. After hearing an incredible Martin guitar, played by David Crosby at Toronto's Massey Hall, Tom was inspired to buy his own Martin which he still owns and plays to this day. He broadened his passion and understanding of both music and recorded sound by graduating from Fanshawe College's Music Industry Arts program with a diploma in audio engineering. In the summer of 1978 he discovered another form of creative expression - as an artist working with glass. From a glass studio established in 1982, he continues to this day as a commissioned glass artist - and pursues his love of acoustic guitar by playing great music as often as possible with the other talented Swellhead's musicians.