American music educator at the collegiate level, music theorist, composer, former Music School Dean and Professor at the Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California, 1980–1992. His overarching interest in research centers around the cognitive and perceptual foundation of music.
Thomson has served the faculties of SUNY Buffalo (1975–80) (Chair of Music and Albert Ziegle Professor); University of Arizona (Director of Graduate Studies) (1972–75); Case Western Reserve University (Fynette Hill Kulas Professor) (1969–72); Indiana University School of Music (1961–69) (Professor of Music Theory; Chair Music Theory Department); University of Hawaii Scholar in Residence (1967–68); Sul Ross State University (1951–60), and Ford Foundation composer in residence (1960–61).
He chaired the ETS Advanced Placement in Music Test Committee (1975–79); served as Music Panel Member and Examiner for the National Endowment for the Arts (1971–75, while Nancy Hanks was Chairman); Fellow and Policy Committee member of the Ford Foundation; served as a key participant in the Contemporary Music Project (1963–75); Board member of the Buffalo Philharmonic (1976–80); taught and composed works for wind band, orchestra, chorus (accompanied and a capella); and various chamber music media. Thomson also served in the Armed Forces: U.S. Navy (1945–46).

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