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About
PERFORMER: Virtuoso Guitarist/Vocalist/DJ ; Not only can I sing and play a wide variety of popular music from virtually every and any genre imaginable,I am also an accomplished classical guitarist/finger style expert as well as a virtuoso level soloist that transforms basic "cover tunes" into something unique and special that takes the performance far beyond simply mimicking a pop song like a record.We have mp3 players for that!...
You want a DJ? Piece of cake. Through my blue tooth capable pa system,I can play any song on Apple music/spotify. I can take special requests effortlessly and you could even send me a playlist to your liking and that is what I will play
As a DJ I am unique! Not only do I play your favorite songs to get the people dancing but I may even have my guitar in hand and play some tasty little rhythm along with the song or a blistering virtuoso guitar solo to spice things up and to make it feel like you actually have a band not just a guy playing songs on his phone! See my videos on YouTube!
I have a small footprint compared to a 2,3 or 4 piece band. It's me, my small pa system and and 4 little foot pedals!
With the use of my Boss RC-20 Loop station looper and my TC-Helcion vocal harmonizer, you'll forget all that sound is coming from just one person in real time with NO BACKING TRACKS!
ask me to play any two songs and I'll make a personal audition video for you so you can see what I can do. Thank you for your time!
GUITAR TEACHING/LESSONS: Most of my lessons are now on line, but anyone is welcome to come to me in Mundelein or I can come to you depending on your location.
God blessed me with the ability to break down complex and abstract concepts that are easily comprehended by anyone old enough to read as long as they can pay attention!
I have taught so many people who took lessons from other teachers, and almost every time without fail,I am amazed at how little the student learned from his previous teacher.I think I am the best teacher for anyone who is brand new to guitar/music or to anyone who wants to become smarter about theory,songwriting,improvisation etc. btw,I have a reverbnation page under Tom Margarites that features 50 original compositions written,performed and recorded by me. All instruments.
It's a great feeling knowing that you can change and have changed someones life and teaching guitar gives me that opportunity every day!
For reasons somewhat unclear to me,I have spent the lions share of my waking hours over the past 42 years,studying and honing my craft and understanding of music.I cannot think of a better way for me to utilize the fruits of my labour than spreading the joy that is music,either through teaching or through performance!
Overview
Hired 141 times
2 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
41 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and PayPal.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2017
Services offered
Music types
Event type
Wedding reception
Wedding ceremony
Birthday party
Cocktail hour
Music genres
Pop / top 40
Rock / classic rock
Jazz / Blues
Covers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
115 reviews
5
97%
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Read reviews that mention:
Sue L.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
What can I say? Tom is awesome!!! We hired him to DJ our 50-year class reunion, and we could not have been happier with the experience. From the very beginning, he was professional, accommodating, and incredibly easy to work with—and on the night of the event, he went far beyond what we expected.
He provided a wonderful mix of recorded music along with live vocals and guitar, which added a really special and personal touch to the evening. He was also terrific about accommodating music requests, both those we submitted ahead of time and requests that came up spontaneously during the event.
Perhaps most impressive was his flexibility and ability to roll with the punches. Our schedule that evening changed several times on the fly, requiring adjustments to the music for guest arrival, cocktails, dinner, and eventually dancing. He handled every change without missing a beat and seamlessly adapted the music to whatever was happening in the room.
And, most importantly, he knew how to read the crowd. The music helped create exactly the atmosphere we wanted—from a welcoming, nostalgic feeling as classmates arrived to an energetic and fun dance floor later in the evening.
Planning a 50th reunion comes with plenty of moving parts, so having someone who is talented, dependable, flexible, and genuinely pleasant to work with made a huge difference. He was an absolute pleasure to have as part of our celebration, and I would recommend him without hesitation for any event.
He helped make our 50th reunion a night our classmates will remember for a long time! Truly, I want to plan another party just so we have an excuse to hire Tom again!
Highly recommend!!!
Details: Class reunion • 50 - 99 guests • 51 or older • Oldies • Rock • Pop • Community center
DJ
Marcia F.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tom was a great addition to our condo’s summer party! His vast repertoire of songs, along with his musical talent, delighted our community. Although he is a solo performer, the sound is much bigger due to his use of a harmonizer. We highly recommend Tom!
Details: General event / party • 26 - 50 guests • 51 or older • Guitar • Rock / classic rock • Outdoors
Music Entertainment
Michele m.
2 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
My experience with Tom was fantastic! He was very responsive when I initially reached out as well as in the weeks leading up to our event. He played the guitar as well as DJ for the after party. I had many good compliments from our guests regarding Tom. He also helped connect me with someone to do line dance lessons which made the night even more fun.
Details: Wedding • 25 - 49 guests • 31 - 50 years old • Country • Outdoor venue
DJ
Jan M.
Jul 12, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Great guy! Loved having him play at our party. Sound system was amazing and he could not have been more accommodating.
Details: Birthday party • 50 - 99 guests • 12 years old or younger • 51 or older • 31 - 50 years old • Pop • Country • Oldies • 80s • Home
DJ
Kathleen B.
May 30, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Tom is a great find. Highly recommend hiring him for your celebration. He responded quickly to my inquiry. Asked my choice of music in addition to Tom’s song list. The guests enjoyed Tom’s performance and could have a conversation at their table. Tom added ambience to the celebration without taking away from the special guest.
Details: Birthday party • 26 - 50 guests • 51 or older • Guitar • Oldies • Variety • Pop / top 40 • Rock / classic rock • Banquet hall / ballroom
Music Entertainment
Credentials
Background Check
Thomas Margarites
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
PERFORMANCE: While I am priced competitively and am willing to worth within your budget, generally speaking my rates are $200 for the first hour,and $100 for each additional hour performed.
LESSONS: Rates are as follows ; in your home (if within my teaching circle) $30-30 minute $45-45 min $60-60min.In my home prices are $35-45 minute $60-60 min.Price in your home if outside of my teaching circle is $60-60 minute plus $10 travel fee.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
PERFORMANCE: I like to know as much as I can about the event,and I ask the patron to be as specific as possible as to what kind/genre of music they want played as well as what "mood" they are hoping to create by using a live performer.
Besides doing DJ duties,I can play classical guitar, jazz/new age/pop guitar,as well as a wide variety of popular vocal music from every decade,from Frank Sinatra to Justin Bieber and everything in between!
LESSONS: I start everyone from square one,which is making sure they understand the most basic of basics,like the musical alphabet and what half steps and whole steps are. Everyone is different so I can only go as fast/slow as the student.
I have very specific programs that I have developed that I use. Having said that,I have no problem shifting around what I teach someone if it seems to be the right thing to do at the time. I'm a bit dogmatic BUT I'm also very Organic! I want my students to enjoy the learning process and to flourish!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Besides receiving my degree in Fine arts in 1981,I am constantly practicing and developing new ways of learning things.Not only do I still practice a strict scale and arpeggio program almost daily,I am constantly composing new music and guitar pieces Playing guitar is a never ending thing.I'm always learning and striving to develop the best ways to get good at all the things you have to do to be a good musician! Most of the songs I figure out by ear off of records is done for my students as I tend to focus on my own music when I am working things out for myself,but that doesn't mean I don;t figure out some favorite solos or songs for my own pleasure every now and then!
