Michael Thompson
Faculty: Clarinet
Education:
M.M Clarinet Performance – DePaul University (2021)
B.M. Clarinet Performance, minor in Spanish – University of North Texas (2019)
Finalist – 2019 George Papich Chamber Music Competition
Runner-up – 2019 North Texas Music Entrepreneurship Competition
Undergraduate Research Fellow – University of North Texas
Bio:
Clarinetist Michael Thompson is a freelance performer and teacher in the Chicago area who eagerly seeks out opportunities to share his music with audiences and students alike. Though having grown up in Petersburg, KY, Michael has performed with groups nationwide, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the University of North Texas Wind Symphony, and the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra.
As a finalist in the 2019 George Papich Chamber Music Competition Competition, participant in the 2020 Fresh Inc contemporary music festival, and member of several international chamber music collaborations, Michael has had an equally varied career in small ensembles and solo performance.
Michael currently serves as a faculty member with Merit School of Music, The People’s Music School, and maintains his own private lessons studio. Outside of music, Michael tries his best at baking and is an ultramarathon runner.
Favorite Musician or Song:
One of my favorite composers is Claude Debussy. His music does such a good job of capturing the time and place in which it was written, and strikes a rare balance of going against tradition while still being widely enjoyable. Also, many of his letters to friends are genuinely funny and relatable – people back then were just like we are today!
Quote:
To me, music education is not specifically about mastering an instrument; most students will not go on to be professional musicians, which is okay! Learning an instrument, especially at a young age, teaches how to get good at something. Then, when the student does find their calling in life, they will already have the skills needed to succeed.
