Tom DeMasters (b. 1957) has been playing guitar since he was 10. He started playing jazz at the age of 16 while studying with Ray Naylor in Kansas City Kansas. At the age of 18, Tom was asked to perform along with his group, at the National Republican Convention in 1976 for President Ford.

In 1980 Tom received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wichita State University studying jazz guitar with Jerry Hahn. In 1980 Tom moved to Los Angeles and studied one year at USC under Duke Miller, working towards a Masters degree. While in Los Angeles Tom read in a local paper that a guitarist named Steve Vai was playing with Frank Zappa and looking for students. Tom hooked up with Steve Vai and studied with him for 1 1/2 years.

In 1983 Tom along with his new wife and kids moved home to Kansas City.

Tom performed with Mama Ray and Rich Van Sant Band from 1986 to 1993. In 1991 Tom and Mo Paul formed the Duke Elephant and his Orchestra Band. While with the Duke Elephant band,Tom opened for Marcia Ball and Jay and the Americans. Tom opened for Blues Guitarist BB KING in Topeka KS along with the Big Woody Blues Band. In 1995 Tom Recorded his Debut CD, "On the Bright Side". Since 2007 Tom has been part of the Joe Cartwright group playing at the Oak Bar at the Intercontinental and many local festivals.