Dr. Matthew Thompson

Biography

Matthew Thompson joined the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) faculty at the University of Michigan in 2011. He has built a reputation as a collaborative pianist, having performed with operatic luminaries such as Thomas Hampson and Tony Award winner Gavin Creel. Thompson specializes in vocal coaching, teaching classes in diction, art song, audition techniques, and crossover repertoire. He is renowned for assisting singers in preparation for performances in prestigious venues including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. Beyond vocal work, Thompson actively participates in chamber music, collaborating with various instrumentalists. He has created a significant impact in the field of video game music, offering groundbreaking classes that have attracted thousands of students. Recently, he co-chaired the ludomusicology/sound studies track at GameSoundCon and published a comprehensive database on Korean Art Song. His contributions extend beyond academia; as Artistic Director and Conductor for the Carolyn Mawby Chorale, he has made his mark in the southeast Michigan music scene. Thompson holds BM and MM degrees in Collaborative Piano from the University of Michigan and received his DMA from the same institution, working under the mentorship of Martin Katz. Furthermore, he has participated in esteemed artist programs, enhancing his craft while educating the next generation of musicians at SMTD’s MPulse Vocal Arts Institute.

Research Interests

Experience