Kean Music Department is one the most alienated departments on this campus but is filled with probably the most talented individuals to ever have attended this University. Joel Tomko is one of these best kept secrets. As a junior Music Education major, Joel is an aspiring songwriter. By day, Joel lurks the halls of the music department, but by night he sits in his home studio, Intimate Studios, and records his very own works of soul soothing music. "He has a way of sucking you in," says Carli Hench, a sophomore Theater Major. When Joel first started learning music, his intentions were to be a rock star, like Guns or Roses. At 15, he started playing in a band called 'Child Nation', and made the decision that this is what he really wanted to do with his life. He was not good in school, mediocre at sports and this was the only thing Joel really excelled at and loved. "It occupied my mind completely," says Joel. For 9 years, Joel played as a bass player in the Philadelphia area until he made the switch to an independent songwriter 3 years ago.Joel really loves the natural sounds of classical music and artists such as Cory Harris, Ben Harper and Jeff Buckley. "I try to create a realistic and true musical quality when I write. The warmth of the strings when plucked, it is what music is supposed to sound like." He does not use any type of computer effects or digital enhancements in his music. Joel tries to learn something new everyday. He feels that if he can expand on the knowledge that he already has then he is one step closer to being the best songwriter he possibly can. When asked, What would he do if he ever made it? he responded, "I've already made it. When I write a song and it is finished there is no amount of money that could make it more rewarding. If I am ever lucky enough to be extremely wealthy, my first goal would be to begin a homeless rehabilitation facility in every major city." Joel was awarded the BCC Civility Award in May 2003 for his passionate acts of charity.

Joel is expecting to release his solo debut in April 2005. Free copies will be available for anyone who is interested. Keep a look out and do not miss your opportunity to witness music at its finest.