Robert Thompson is a multi-talented musician, producer, writer, and publisher with a wide range of talents. He has been nominated for Grammy Awards on two separate occasions. He is now the President of Wise Music Group and the President of the Music Publishers Association of the United States of America (MPA).
Robert Thompson, a pioneer in the publishing and performance industries, is always on the lookout for new and innovative methods to foster a strong and thriving community. According to him, supporting the local music scene should entail things like putting on top-notch performances, negotiating publication deals, and producing high-quality sound. Robert Thompson is a driving force in the industry, bringing a strong educational background and more than two decades of expertise to the table.
Education and work experience are two important factors to consider.
Robert Thompson enrolled at the University of South Florida in 1981 to pursue a bachelor's degree in music. In 1984, he received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of South Florida, where he currently resides. He subsequently went on to receive his Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) from the Eastman School of Music in 1992, which was his final degree. He is fluent in the German language.
In the years following graduation, he began working for Universal Edition, a European music publisher with offices in London, Vienna, and New York. Robert Thompson then established Thompson Music Group, LLC in order to offer his talents as a music producer to others. From 2007 to 2014, he was employed by Purchase College as a Professor of Arts Management, and from 2008 to 2010, he was the Dean of the Conservatory of Music at the University of New Hampshire.
While working for SUNY Purchase College's arts administration department, where he taught arts & entertainment law and music entrepreneurship classes and served as Dean of Music, he developed a passion for music entrepreneurship.
Robert Thompson will take over as President of the Music Publishers Association of the United States, Inc. in the year 2020. Since 2013, he has also served as President of Wise Music Group, which includes the labels G. Schirmer, AMP, Schirmer Theatrical, and Node Records. Founded in 2015 as a division of the Wise Music Group and an arm of Music Sales Corporation, Schirmer Theatrical is a division of the Wise Music Group and an arm of Music Sales Corporation. NODE Records was created by Thompson in 2016.
Among his responsibilities at Wise Music Group have been the representation of numerous composers and performers, as well as the publishing and production of a wide variety of musical works for film, theater, and commercials. Heather Christian, John Paul Jones (of Led Zeppelin), Jimmy Webb, Philip Glass, Missy Mazzoli, Eddie Money, John Corigliano, Jeff Beal, Jocelyn Pook, Bryce Dessner, Tan Dun, and many others are among the artists with whom he has collaborated.
He has also shared the stage and traveled with a variety of performers, including The Moody Blues, Yes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett, among others. He has staged concerts with the Houston, Seattle, Detroit, Nashville, and Phoenix Symphonies, and has also conducted concerts with the orchestras in these cities.
Currently Employed
Robert Thompson, an advisor to the Eastman School of Music's Entrepreneurship in the Music program and a member of the Kauffman Foundation, is in a unique position to encourage young people to seek a career in the performing and entertainment industries. He continues to produce work through Wise Music, including high-level theatrical shows through Schirmer Theatrical, as well as other projects.
He devotes a significant portion of his time to exploring ways to strengthen the local music scene and inspire young people to seek successful careers in the performing and literary arts. He serves on the Board of Review of the American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) as well as the Concert Committee of ASCAP.
Robert Thompson has developed a number of theatrical experiences through his company, Schirmer Theatrical, including "REVOLUTION: THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES," "WOMEN ROCK," "GHOSTBUSTERS" (for Sony Pictures), "THE RED VIOLIN" (for Lionsgate), and "AQUAMAN" (Warner).
The film "Halston," directed by Stanley Clarke, was executive produced by Thompson through NODE Records. Other projects include "Free Solo," directed by Marco Beltrami (for Nat Geo), "Ask the River," starring Oscar-winner Rachel Portman, and Brian Byrne's "Goldenhair" (featuring Julian Lennon and Glenn Close).
Charity and philanthropic endeavors
Robert Thompson has a strong interest in introducing children to musical instruments. The joys of creating music have a personal link for him, and he believes all children should have access to many types of creative expression. He has donated more than $500,000 to worthy causes over the course of eight years through his company. Harmony Foundation, New Music USA, Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, Penny Lane Charitable Trust, and other charitable organizations are among those with which he has collaborated.
Robert Thompson is committed to giving back to the community through his work at Schirmer Theatrical. He donates a portion of the revenues from each concert to various charitable organizations in the area. Supporting struggling musicians, raising up new generations of visionaries, and assisting people in discovering the stress-relieving effects of music are among his goals, among others.
He also devotes some of his time to working with students and children who may be interested in pursuing a career in music. This includes serving as a mentor for students enrolled in the Eastman School of Music's Entrepreneurship in the Music program, which is sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation.
Awards and accomplishments are listed below.
Robert Thompson has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. His extensive background includes collaborations with numerous great musicians as well as the creation of high-end concert experiences. He was awarded the University of South Florida's Distinguished Alumni Award for his achievements. He was recognized with the SABRE Award for his contribution to the advancement of business and public relations efforts.
Several news organizations, including Good Morning America and the New York Times, have interviewed him about his work in the publishing, film, music, and theatrical industries. He has also been featured in articles in publications such as Variety, Billboard, and others.
Thompson's contributions to the worlds of music, theater, and publishing have continued to be recognized over the years. In the near future, he plans to embark on a variety of projects that are sure to draw public notice.