Fairhaven drummer prodigy accepted into Berklee College at 16 years old
FAIRHAVEN — Thomas Thunder has already accomplished more than many musicians do in a lifetime and he's only 16.
Despite his young age, Thunder is a prolific musician, playing drums, guitar, keyboard, and bass, all while composing his own music. His impressive talent has even caught the attention of famed musicians like Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, who toured with Guns N' Roses.
Now, Thunder has been accepted full time into the Bachelor's of Arts in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games program at Berklee College of Music's online program.
"This has always been a dream of mine," Thunder said.
Thunder already has some experience composing music for films as he worked with a band to create songs for the 1922 movie "Nosferatu."
"We would compose songs. And then we will all perform them together, and then we will perform all the songs that we've composed," he said, remembering having to create a song for a scene featuring a stormy night.
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Becoming a drummer at age five
Growing up in East Fairhaven, Thunder's mother Nicole Ferriera said her son was drawn to music from a very young age. She recalls how he would take music-playing animal toys and line them up, making them play at different times, showing his natural inclination towards creating music.
Thunder's musical journey started at 5 years old when he began taking drum lessons. He quickly developed an advanced skill level and by 8 years old, he had joined a band and started taking classes at the teen group at the School of Rock in Seekonk.
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Composing music
But Thunder didn't stop at just playing instruments — he also taught himself how to use the composing software Garage Band and released his first single at the age of 10. His love for music only continued to grow as he drew inspiration from legendary rock artists such as Dream Theater, Pink Floyd and Sons of Apollo.
Since his debut album “The Pharaoh’s Temple" release, Thomas has put out a Christmas song, two other singles, and he has another single titled "Sunshine" on the way.
According to Thomas, this single will be "something that he hasn't done before" and will feature jazz elements and brass instruments like saxophone and trombone. He will be working with a new bassist, Ric Fierabracci from the band Blood, Sweat & Tears.
Where does Thunder sees himself next?
Thunder's musical talent isn't the only thing that sets him apart from his peers. At the age of 5, he became a member of the high IQ society Mensa and has been homeschooled by his mother.
This allowed him to move through the curriculum at his own pace and begin taking online college courses through Berklee Online, receiving a Professional Drum Certificate and a Professional Music Theory and Composition Certificate.
Ferriera said they are also constructing Thunder a home studio, a place to create and record his own music. By this time next year, he will be able to have his own area to create music.
Thunder hopes that in the near future he will be film scoring and becoming a music director for children's shows or scoring for Disney films. He also mentions a desire to continue performing live.
"I'm excited for what's next," Thunder added.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Thomas Thunder, young Fairhaven drummer, to head to Berklee College
