White Lake is home to some truly amazing musicians, and Tommy Foster is no exception. A talented guitarist and vocalist, Tommy’s journey is as inspiring as it is unique. In this edition of CatchMark Community’s Local Musician Spotlight, I had the chance to sit down with Tommy and hear about his life, his music, and the passion that drives him.
Finding His Way to Music
Music has always been a part of Tommy’s life. His mom, a classical violinist, made sure their home was filled with music from the start. “There was always something musical happening—whether it was my mom teaching Suzuki violin or me practicing piano on an old church piano we brought home,” Tommy says.
His path to becoming a musician, however, wasn’t exactly smooth. After struggling through school, a career aptitude test gave him two options: musician or mortician. Thankfully, Tommy went with music. A music theory class in college sparked something inside him, showing him how music blends logic and emotion in a way that clicked.
The Start of His Guitar Story
Like many teens, Tommy dreamed of shredding on an electric guitar. But when he was 15, his mom had other plans, giving him an acoustic guitar instead. “She thought it would be better to start with something organic,” he says. At first, he wasn’t thrilled. “I learned a few songs, got frustrated, and gave it up.”
It wasn’t until he moved out at 19 that Tommy decided to give it another go. He bought a guitar on his first day out of the house and never looked back. “That’s the beauty of music—you don’t have to be great to enjoy it. It’s about experimenting and having fun.”
Influences and Inspirations
Tommy grew up surrounded by a wide range of music, from classical pieces to 70s rock. Locally, people like his piano teacher, Virginia Lundell, and choir director, Jerry Bartlett, left a lasting impression on him. “They taught me a lot about music and its importance in a community,” Tommy says.
His influences also include big names like Roberta Flack, John Denver, and Frank Zappa, as well as friends who introduced him to everything from heavy metal to folk. “I’ve always loved exploring different styles—it’s what keeps things interesting.”
Performing with Purpose
When Tommy performs, he puts a lot of thought into connecting with his audience. “It’s about being present and paying attention to the energy in the room,” he says. Whether he’s playing a big show or providing quiet background music, he tries to mix crowd favorites with songs he’s passionate about.
For Tommy, music is about more than just entertaining—it’s about creating a shared experience. “Music can express things that words can’t. That’s why it’s so powerful.”
Life Beyond Music
Outside of music, Tommy stays busy with plenty of other hobbies. He loves gardening, raising German Shepherds, and spending time outdoors. He also enjoys working with kids, having served as a youth program coordinator at the White Lake Community Library. “Kids are incredible,” he says. “They’re curious and open to learning, which is so inspiring.”
White Lake’s Vibrant Music Scene
Tommy is a big fan of White Lake’s local music scene. He’s seen firsthand how the area supports artists, from open mic nights to performances at The Playhouse at White Lake. “We have such a diverse range of talent here,” he says. “Arts and music are essential to a strong community—they bring people together.”
One of his favorite projects has been hosting Monday night music at Fetch Brewing Co during the summer. This year, the event expanded with a temporary street closure, turning it into a lively block party. “It was such a great vibe. I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Tommy’s advice for anyone starting out in music? Stay curious and don’t give up. “If you fail, try again—and again,” he says. “Find people who support you and keep learning. It’s a journey, and you’ve got to enjoy the process.”
Tommy Foster’s story is a reminder of why music matters. His journey, full of twists and turns, shows the power of perseverance and the importance of following your passion.
If you’re in White Lake, take the time to support local music—you never know who you’ll discover. Stay tuned for more stories from our incredible local talent in future episodes of CatchMark Community’s Local Musician Spotlight!
