University Days
Tom studied classical flute at U.B.C. with Conrad Crocker, protégé of William Kincaid, as well as composition, orchestration, arranging and world music. He played every night, from strip bars to supper clubs. These venues provided the musical freedom to play modally on R&B grooves. He also played the trumpet at this time.

Spring of 1970, Tom joined Sunshyne, an innovative band led by Bruce Fairbairn. Playing a mix of pop, jazz, rock and inspired by Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears and James Brown, Sunshyne had an impact on Keenlyside’s own music. It also helped launch the careers of Fairbairn (Aerosmith, INXS, Chicago), Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams, Tina Turner) and David Sinclair (Jann Arden, Sarah McLachlan and k.d. lang).

At university, Tom gave regular flute recitals; he performed Bach, Fauré, Telemann and the like. During this period, Keenlyside also began studying saxophone.