Tom comes from a musical family and grew up working at his family's music store,Twin City Music, that his grandfather Joseph Petteruti started in 1932. In addition to starting the family business, Joe Petteruti also led the WJAR Radio broadcasting group “The Hawaiian Islanders.” During The Great Depression Joe taught musical instrument lessons seven days a week. Some of his students included Bobby Hackett of the Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller Orchestras, and Paul Gonsalves of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as countless local professional musicians including Tom’s father, renowned bassist Bob Petteruti.
As a highly sought-after bassist, Tom’s father Bob has played with almost all of the major jazz artists that have come through the Providence, RI area in the last 70 years, operated and taught at Twin City Music, and has co-authored the book “Who’s Who In Rhode Island Jazz.” Many of Bob's students have gone on to be some of the finest musicians in the area. Bob is proud to be one of the first sideman to be inducted into the RI Music Hall of Fame.
A third-generation musician, Tom began playing drums at the age of six when he would play his older brother’s drum set while he was off at school! He has played drums with and leads the very successful ten-piece band Brass Attack with whom he has been affiliated for over 34 years since its inception in March, 1984. In addition to leading Brass Attack, Tom also formed, led, and played with Vintage Rhythm And Blues Ensemble for five years, and works regularly with The Ken Vario Quartet, The Mike Johnson Group, and works periodically with soul group Uptown Ruler.
In addition to his regular gigs, Tom also freelances with other bands when his schedule permits, and can be reached by clicking here in order to check his availability for bookings. Following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps, Tom also offers private music instruction. If you are interested in studying drums with him, please click here.
A certified RI public school Technology Education teacher, Tom is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a BS in Industrial Technology, a BS in Technology Education, as well as an AS in Electronics Technology, and an AS in Instrumentation for Process Control.
