Merlin B. Thompson

Dr. Merlin B. Thompson is the Creator and Founder of Teach Music 21C - a professional development resource for music teachers and community of forward-thinking music studio instructors. Merlin empowers music teachers to support and inspire their students in lifelong musical journeys through Teach Music 21C podcasts, newsletter, blog, video demonstrations, conference presentations, and mentoring.

With nearly five decades of music studio teaching experience, Merlin is a frequent consultant, advisor, and mentor for music studio teachers around the globe. A leading authority on piano pedagogy, he has worked with hundreds of teachers, students, and parents in workshops, conferences, established programs, and mentorships in online formats and in-person throughout Canada, USA, Australia, China, FInland, Brazil, and New Zealand.

Music educator, scholar, and pianist, Merlin's recent presentations/publications/workshops/conferences with: Faculty of Music UBC, School of Creative and Performing Arts UCalgary, Schulich School of Music UMcGill, Texas Music Teachers Association, Suzuki Association of the Americas, American String Teachers Association, Suzuki Talent Education Society (Calgary), Calgary Suzuki Strings Association, Canadian Music Teacher Magazine, BCRMTA Newsletter, Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association, Calgary Branch ARMTA, Edmonton Branch ARMTA, Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association, West Central Branch SRMTA, BC Registered Music Teachers Association, Langley Community Music School, Canadian Federation of Music Teachers. His video series Fundamental Piano Technique is available on Youtube.

Merlin is the 2017 recipient of the Article of the Year award from the American Music Teacher journal of the MTNA for his insight into how teachers may nurture parents of their students. He has contributed numerous articles to internationally-recognized journals including American Music Teacher, American Suzuki Journal, Educational Theory, Journal of School Choice, MTNA E-journal, Philosophy of Music Education Review, and Studies in Philosophy and Education. His commitment to excellence in music teaching means continually challenging himself to better understand and develop forward-thinking music education strategies.