The Music Thief

Thomas Wheeler, also known as The Music Thief, is a visionary pedagogue and guitar arranger born in 1995. Emphasizing the significance of guitar arranging, he applies it to every aspect of his work. His notable achievements include creating the largest guitar arrangement of the 21st century, Gustav Holst’s The Planets Suite, for solo guitar. His unique approach to Holst's score has been praised by the UK-based Holst Society who states that his transcription and playing reach a deeper and more powerful level, deserving a vast audience.

Along with advocating for diversifying the guitar repertoire, Thomas has made innovative and exceptional arrangements of music by Florence Price, Henry Cowell, and Alfred Schnittke. As a multi-instrumentalist, he is revolutionizing the guitar quartet by creating a new plucked string quartet that performs his electronic music arrangements on acoustic instruments. He has also created several arrangements of baroque lute music, including some for the harp guitar.

In addition to his achievements, he uses arranging to create community and pedagogical resources. He has produced music for free-to-the-public guitar orchestras, community and private music schools, and the distinguished Romero Institute. Currently co-hosting the Guitar Arrangers Podcast, he leads an online community known as the Guitar Arrangers’ Collective. Visit TheMusicThief.com to learn more or book a free trial.