About Timothy Thompson

The core of Mr. Thompson’s teaching and performance began in the 1980s while attending Penn State University and Houghton College. He also began arranging/teaching High School level competitive drumlines during this period.

His percussion experiences span a wide range of performance and study focus, from jazz, rock, blues, fusion, funk, & worship. Top influences include Steve Gadd, Joe Morello, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, Tommy Igoe, Gary Novak, and Dave Weckl.  His love of Jazz and Swing styles is a direct result from studying with David Lazorcik, Dave Stahl Big Band Jazz Drummer from 1978-1981.

On the opposite of the percussion spectrum, Mr. Thompson’s rudimental drive and passion for drumline excellence came from his years of studying with Gary Lenderman, the legendary DCI Drum Corps and High School Percussion Director, from 1978 to 1983.

This unique variety of experience served as a catalyst for performance as a drummer for Penn State University Jazz Band and as a professional drummer for local rock bands from 1981 to 1986.  While performing with the DCA Senior Drum Corps "Westshoremen,” Tim began a successful teaching career spanning from 1980 to 2022 as a High School Battery instructor and composer for multiple award-winning High Schools in Pennsylvania and New York.

Mr. Thompson has over 35 years of experience and is in high demand for private student instruction with currently 55+ students in Western New York at his Hamburg Percussion studio and as a Master Music Instructor for Music & Arts Orchard Park.

He is a member of ECMEA/NYSSMA and currently supports and prepares multiple students for county and state competitions. He also consults and mentor’s other music teachers nationally through live video webinars.

Tim was recently nominated to serve on the Drumset Committee for the Percussive Arts Society beginning in 2024. He also served on the Percussion Arts Society Diversity Alliance Committee from 2021 to 2024 which coordinates efforts to develop and foster initiatives aimed at expanding PAS membership diversity and enhancing community outreach. He was also honored to be a Weekly Judge for the International Hit Like a Girl Contest from 2019 to 2023. 

Tim’s philanthropy efforts include the development of the David Stephans Memorial Scholarship for graduating students from south-towns High Schools pursuing music studies. Tim also supports WNY Drummers for Homeless People and the Ted Reinhardt Memorial Music Scholarship.

Through Mr. Thompson’s philanthropy and community support of student development through the percussive arts, he is a distinguished member or recipient of the following memberships/awards:

•             The Percussive Arts Society Drumset Committee

•             Percussion Marketing Council "PlayDrums.com" Education Advisor

•             Professional Drum Teachers Guild of America

•             Vic Firth Education Team 

•             Sabian Education Network 

•             D'Addario Education Collective 

•             DrumDots – Authorized Education Partner

•             Villa Maria College Official Internship Site for Percussion Students

•             The United States Association of Rudimental Drummers

•             Erie County Music Educators Association/New York State School Music Association

Mr. Thompson resides in the Buffalo/Niagara Region of New York and is an independent consultant for Nation Stage/Production Companies and develops social media and marketing strategies for the Live Music/Production Industry.  Mr. Thompson also serves as a consultant and clinician for local School District Music Departments and has been featured as a contributor for the Sabian Education Network.