Biography
“Jason Tom is from another planet! He is the Michael Jordan of beatboxing! The Human Beatbox Machine!” - Allan Silva
American Jason Tom is Hawai’i's 21st century award-winning freelance Human Beatbox musician, entertainer, TEDx presenter, voice actor, moonwalker, mathematician, philanthropist, and blogger who often gets mistaken for a boombox. He's an ambassador of aloha, mathematics, and beatboxing.
Jason Tom's Chinese name 譚志豪 is translated as "will," "many aspirations," and "man of outstanding talent."
Jason Tom has collaborated with artists Tom Thum, John Cruz, Jake Shimabukuro, and Imua Garza, and opened shows for Michael Winslow, Blue Scholars, Quest Crew, the Jabbawockeez, Reeps One, and Mike Love. He quickly has become an artist to watch with his high-energy performances.
Jason Tom said "yes" to purpose to deliver real and powerful music with a message through culture, community, productions, festivals, events, night markets, concerts, conferences, school tours, assemblies, and outreach. If you have not done so, check out his TEDx Talks and KS EdTech conference presentations. Don't be like a stranger in Moscow.
Jason Tom has completed work on the to be released music project tentatively titled "Breathe." He's now in preparation for the 27th Hawaii Children And Youth Day, and Prisma Dance's Creation production in autumn 2020.
“Jason Tom is an incredible talent. If you can make it to his gigs, please do so. He will blow you away. ” — Traci Toguchi
ACADEMIC CAREER HISTORY
HIGHER EDUCATION:
• Beijing Foreign Studies University; Purple, White, and Yellow
Completed Freeman Foundation Intensive China Scholarship Program
- Summer 2006
• Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business Bruiser Bruins; Navy, Red and White
Attended Music and Entertainment Learning Experience Program via live feed
Fall 2007/Spring 2008
Fall 2008/Spring 2009
Fall 2009
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
• University of Hawai’i at Kapi’olani Community College; Blue and White
Fall 2001/Spring 2002
Fall 2004/Spring 2005
Fall 2005/Spring 2006
Fall 2006/Spring 2007
Fall 2007 (graduated)/Spring 2008
Spring 2009
• University of Hawai’i at Honolulu Community College; Teal
Attended Music and Entertainment Learning Experience Program
Fall 2007/Spring 2008
Fall 2008/Spring 2009
Fall 2009
SECONDARY EDUCATION:
• Prince David Kawananakoa Middle Ali’i Warriors; Cardinal, Black, and Gold
1994 to 1997
• President William McKinley High School Tigers; Black and Gold
1997 to 2001
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION:
• King Liholiho Elementary Warriors; Blue and Yellow
1988 to 1989; first grade
• Kauluwela Elementary Tiger Cubs; Purple and Gold
1989 to 1994
“Jason Tom's rendition of Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' is a spectacle of showmanship. From the first drum and snare beats, the song is recognizable, and you wonder how so many sounds could be coming from one person's mouth. Add to this Jason Tom's signature Michael Jackson moves, from the hip thrust to the hand jive.”
Special Features
by Kamehameha Schools
https://youtu.be/xbX8Ab4lWnU
TEDx Honolulu It's About Time Conference Jason Tom "Vocal Groove"
by TEDx Talks
https://youtu.be/oIwt_1u7pmw
Jason Tom King of Pop Jam: Michael Jackson Medley
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/iACtBch0cjw
Jason Tom Child of the 80s
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/go-_95S1SC0
Jason Tom Tic Tac Toe Song
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/2JN48jMebc4
Jason Tom Pink Panther
by Hi*Sessions Acoustic Live
https://youtu.be/3-jT_6MeZVg
Jason Tom from Hawaii
by Beatbox Battle TV
https://youtu.be/_dUX70HAEUo
Do What You Love Series: Jason Tom Human Beatbox
by Art And Flea TV
https://youtu.be/nOhmoCc6B5o
Jason Tom Human Beatbox
by Metromix Honolulu Video Cover Story
https://youtu.be/Zphs-ERAl74
Jason Tom RAW
by RAWartists Media
https://youtu.be/i_rMgnyiIGk
Hawai‘i’s Human Beatbox
by University of Hawaiʻi Alumni
https://uhalumni.org/kapiolani/story/hawaiis-human-beatbox
The Freeman Foundation Scholarship - Jason Tom
by University of Hawaiʻi Foundation
https://www.uhfoundation.org/news/video/freeman-foundation-scholarship-jason-tom
Kapiʻolani CC alum stays on beat spreading message of perseverance
by Kapiʻolani Ching, University of Hawaiʻi News
https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2018/12/13/kapiolani-cc-human-beatbox/
KCC Alumnus Inspires Community Through Beatboxing, Motivational Speaking
by Lexus Yamashiro, Kapiʻo News
https://www.kapionews.com/index.php/2017/07/19/kcc-alumnus-inspires-community-through-beatboxing-motivational-speaking/
Unbeatable
by Christina O'Connor, Metro HNL Cover Story
http://metrohnl.com/unbeatable
Jason Tom: The Human BeatBox
by Julia Hulme, Millennial Magazine
https://millennialmagazine.com/2016/01/25/jason-tom-the-human-beatbox/
“Jason Tom is a local beatboxer sharing his distinct sounds around the world, and to local keiki through his 'music with a message.'”
JASON TOM'S HIGHLIGHTS
* Prisma Dance presents Creation Production; 2016, 2018, 2020 (TBA)
* Hawai’i Children And Youth Day at Hawai’i State Capitol Rotunda; 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020 (TBA)
* Jason Tom Dot Com Turns 12; 2020
* Windward O’ahu's Early College Leadership Conference Keynote; 2019
* 4x HawaiiSlam Top 12 Performance Poet; 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019
* Kauluwela Elementary Welcome Back Assembly Alumnus Presenter; 2018, 2019
* Kapi’olani Community College Scholarship Mahalo Dinner Alumnus Speaker; 2018
* KS EdTech Conference Opener; 2018
* Koko Head Elementary Back to School Assembly; 2018
* Inspire Waikele's Friday Night Flow Youth Night; 2017
* McDonald's Top 3 NextNext Music Artist; 2016
* Beatbox Battle World Championship's Top 150 Male Professional Vocal Percussion Artist; 2015
* Real And Powerful Anti-Bullying Tour; 2015
* Music With A Message "Not On Tobacco" Tour; 2009 to 2015
* G12 Hawaii Conference "Awaken to Conquer" Emerge Youth Rally; 2014
* Hawai’i Meth Project "Not Even Once" Tour; 2013, 2014
* Say Yes to Purpose Tour; 2013, 2014
* Hawai’i Beatbox Showcase; 2014
* American Beatbox Championship Showcase; 2010, 2014
* Hawai’i Beatbox Battle; 2014
* Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival Presenter; 2013
* Freelance Brand presents Trilogy II; 2012
* Freelance Brand presents Apex; 2010, 2011
* Hawai’i's Scene Choice Best Performer Award Winner; 2011
* TEDx Talks Presenter Award for "Vocal Groove"; 2011
* TEDx Conference Presenter; 2009, 2011
* Beatbox Spot's Spotlight Artist; 2010
* International Human Beatbox Convention Showcase; 2010
* Featured session musician on "Im Movin On" by Faioso's Na Hoku Hanohano Award Nominated Album "Nobody Owns Me"; 2010
* Pipeline Hawai’i's Got Talent Grand Finalist; 2009
* Honolulu Weekly's Best Local Musician Deserving of a Wider Audience; 2009
* Word of Life's Emerge Grand Finalist; 2009
* Asian Ave Dot Com's Member of the Day; 2007, 2008 (85 consecutive days)
* Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business + Honolulu Community College's MELE; 2007 to 2009
* Supplemental Mathematics Instructor; 2005 to 2009
* University of Hawai’i at Kapi’olani; class of 2007
* Kapi’olani Community College Dean's List; 2006 to 2007
* 4x Kapi’olaniCC Top 6 Talent; Spring/Fall 2006, Spring/Fall 2007
* Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Inductee at Kapi’olaniCC; 2006
* Beijing Foreign Studies University; 2006
* Freeman Foundation China Scholarship; 2006
* Asian Avenue Dot Com's Member of the Week; 2005
* Judo Medalist + Trophy Winner; 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004
* McKinley High School Diploma; 2001
* McKinley Senior Prom "Mr. Aloha" Award Nominee; 2001
* McKinley Tigers' two-year letterman in varsity soccer and judo; 1999 to 2001
* McKinley Soccer "Mr. Hustle" Award Winner; 2001
* McKinley Soccer Lead Goal Scorer; 2000 to 2001 season
* McKinley Judo Alias "Spider-Man"; 2000 to 2001
* Beatbox music cassette tape recordings; 1991
* Jason Tom's first beatbox music cassette tape recording; 1989
Concerts & Festivals
- Hawaiʻi Children And Youth Day, 2018, Hawaiʻi State Capitol Rotunda
- International Hawaiʻi Chinese Cultural Arts Festival, 2017, Hawaiʻi Convention Center
- Moon Festival, 2017, Chinatown Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage
- American Beatbox Championship, 2014
- Hawaiʻi Children And Youth Day, 2013, Hawaiʻi State Capitol Rotunda
- American Beatbox Championship, 2010
- International Human Beatbox Convention, 2010
- Hip Hop Festival Art Wars, 2010, Diverse Art Center
- ISA International Night 808 United, 2010, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Drug Free Rally, 2010, Hawaiʻi Okinawa Center
- Drug Free Rally, 2010, Waiau Elementary School Assembly
- Drug Free Rally, 2010, Pearl City Cultural Center
- Chinatown Open House, 2010, Chinatown Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage
- Chinese New Year Festival, 2010, United Chinese Coalition, Chinatown Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage
- The Art of Slam!, 2009, Honolulu Community College
- Chinese New Year Festival, 2009, Chinatown Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage
- Chinese New Year Celebration, 2008, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chinatown Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage
- Chinese New Year Festival, 2008, United Chinese Coalition, Chinatown Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage
Conferences
- Windward Community College's Early College Leadership Conference, 2019 (Keynote Presenter/Speaker)
- KS EdTech DisRupt Conference, 2018 (Presenter)
- Rock the School Bells Hawaiʻi Conference, 2017 (Presenter/Workshop)
- G12 Hawaiʻi Conference Awaken to Conquer Emerge, 2014 (Presenter)
- TEDx Honolulu Conference It's About Time, 2011 (Presenter)
- [re]Think: Hawaiʻi Conference Speaker Series, 2010 (Presenter/Speaker)
- TEDx Honolulu Shift Conference, 2009 (Presenter)
Venues
Oxford Art Factory (Sydney, Australia)
Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, California)
Cooper Design Building (Los Angeles, California)
SMSHBX (Oakland, California)
DeFemery Park (Oakland, California)
Beta Lounge (Berkeley, California)
Webster Hall (Manhattan, New York)
Brooklyn Night Bazaar (Brooklyn, New York)
Salon de Lafayette (Manhattan, New York)
Littlefield (Brooklyn, New York)
Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island (Big Island)
Sangha Hall (Big Island)
Hanapepe Corps Community Center (Kauaʻi)
Hawaiʻi State Capitol Rotunda
Aloha Stadium
Ala Moana Centerstage
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi Spalding Clubhouse
Kumu Kahua Theatre
Cupola Theater
Paliku Theatre
Mamiya Theatre
Moanalua Terrace
Nextdoor
Town Center of Mililani
Waikiki Community Center Auditorium
Dave & Busters
Diverse Art Center
Downbeat Lounge
Doris Duke Theatre
Easy Music Center
Minato Japanese Restaurant
Hawaiʻi Convention Center
Neal S. Blaisdell Center
Chinatown Cultural Plaza Moongate Stage
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Sheraton Princess Kaʻiulani Hotel
Ilikai Hotel
Hale Koa Hotel
Honolulu Museum of Art
Universities and Colleges
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Hawaiʻi Pacific University Sharks (formerly known as Sea Warriors)
* University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Raindbow Warriors and Wahine
- International Student Association'S International Night 808 United at UH Manoa Ballroom, 2010
- Mighty4 Hawaii at UH Campus Center, 2009
- Aloha Music Project at Hemenway Courtyard, 2009
- Beatbox Performance for a Speech Class, 2009
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies
University of Phoenix
Tokai University (Hawaiʻi Tokai International College)
* Honolulu Community College
** Terms attended through MELE Program with Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business via live feed: fall 2007, spring 2008, fall 2008, spring 2009, fall 2009
- The Art of Slam! at HCC Cafeteria, 2009
- Mike Curb's MELE Showcase, 2008
- Mike Curb's MELE Studios Outdoor Concert, 2008
* Kapiʻolani Community College (Alma mater)
** Terms attended: fall 2001, spring 2002, fall 2004, spring 2005, fall 2005, spring 2006, fall 2006, spring 2007, fall 2007 (graduated), spring 2008, spring 2009
- Da Noʻeau Zone Open Mic (alumni guest artist), 2009
- KCC Fall Student Talent Show (alumni guest artist), 2009
- KCC Fall Student Talent Show (alumni guest artist), 2008
- KCC Spring Student Talent Show (alumni guest artist), 2008
- KCC Fall Student Talent Show, 2007
- KCC Spring Student Talent Show, 2007
- KCC Fall Student Talent Show, 2006
- KCC Spring Student Talent Show, 2006
- KCC Fall Student Talent Show, 2005
- KCC Spring Student Talent Show, 2005
- KCC Fall Student Talent Show, 2004
Leeward Community College
Windward Community College
High Schools and Intermediate Schools
Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy (Private)
ʻIolani School (Private)
Kamehameha Schools (Private)
Mid-Pacific Institute Owls (Private)
Hakipuu Learning Center (Charter School)
Kamakau (Charter School)
PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS
*Central Middle School Bulldogs
- Music With A Message Tour, 2009 to 2015
- Planet Central After School Program, 2006
* Highlands Intermediate
- Back to School Assembly, 2013
Kaimuki Middle School Voyagers
Nanakuli Intermediate Hawks
Niu Valley Middle School
Waipahu Intermediate
Washington Middle School Eagles
PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
Campbell High School Sabers
Castle High School Knights
Farrington High School Governors
Kahuku High School Red Raiders
Kailua High School Surfriders
Kaimukī High School Bulldogs
* Kalaheo High School Mustangs
- Music With A Message Tour, 2009
Kalani High School Falcons
Nānākuli High School Hawks
* President William McKinley High School Tigers (Alma mater)
- Music With A Message Tour, 2015
- McKinley High School Dance Team, 2014
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
- Music With A Message Tour, 2012
- Music With A Message Tour, 2011
- Music With A Message Tour, 2010
- The Movement Quest Crew Opener at McKinley Auditorium, 2009
- Mike Curb's MELE Program Outreach, 2009
- McKinley High School's Career Exploration Day, 2008
Moanalua High
* Pearl City High School Chargers
- Music With A Message Tour, 2009 to 2015
Radford High
* President Theodore Roosevelt High School Rough Riders
- Music With A Message Tour, 2009
Waipahu High School Maurauders
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
* Āina Haina Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Ala Wai Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Aliʻiolani Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Hahaioni Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Hokulani Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Jefferson Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Kahala Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Kalihi Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Kalihi-Uka Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Kalihi-Waena Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Kamiloiki Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Kauluwela Elementary School Tiger Cubs (Alma mater)
- Back to School Assembly (alumni guest presenter), 2019
- Back to School Assembly (alumni guest presenter), 2018
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Koko Head Elementary School Cobras
- Back to School Assembly, 2018
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Kūhiō Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Liholiho Elementary (attended in 1988 to 1989)
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Likelike Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Lincoln Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Lunalilo Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Maʻemaʻe Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Mānoa Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Noelani Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Nuʻuanu Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Pālolo Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Pauoa Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Puuhale Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Royal Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
* Waiau Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
- Drug Free School Assembly, 2010
* Waikīkī Elementary School
- Chevron Honolulu Speech Festival at McKinley Gymnasium, 2013
CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Hakipuu Learning Center)
Kamakau
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Hawaiʻi Baptist Academy
ʻIolani School Red Raiders
Kamehameha Schools Warriors
Mid-Pacific Institute Owls