University of Hawai‘i Alumni Relations Production 
University of Hawai‘i at Kapi‘olani Alumni Profile - Jason Tom

Hawai‘i’s Human Beatbox 

Most people have heard of beatboxing—a form of vocal percussion that uses the mouth and voice to create sounds and rhythms. But for Kapi‘olani Community College alumnus Jason Tom, beatboxing is much more than that.

Tom originally enrolled at Kapi‘olani CC in the fall of 2001 but found himself struggling academically. After being placed on academic probation, he vowed to return only when he was ready.

He spent some time in California pursuing other interests before deciding to come back to Hawai‘i.

“Once I came back, I found myself. I pursued the beatboxing because that’s what I do every day—listen to music, replicate the sounds,” said Tom. [I told myself,] I’m going to pursue that while I pursue my degree.”

Upon returning to Kapi‘olani CC Tom discovered an interest in mathematics and went on to become a supplemental instructor with a concentration in algebra.

Now known as Hawai‘i’s Human Beatbox, he’s using beatboxing to spread a positive message about “staying on the beat” when it comes to achieving your goals.

“For me it’s a bridge to uplift people, to encourage them about perseverance,” said Tom.

For more on Jason Tom, visit jasontom.com.

Originally published: https://uhalumni.org/kapiolani/story/hawaiis-human-beatbox