Dr. Thomas S. Swenson
Thomas Swenson, NCTM, is originally from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a suburb of the
Twin Cities. Following his undergraduate degree (BM) from Minnesota State University and
SUNY Stony Brook, he taught group keyboard classes throughout the Cincinnati metro area as
part of the Music Education Division of Baldwin Piano Manufacturing Company. During this
time he built up a private piano studio of more than 50 students, directed church music programs,
and served as Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. Thomas moved to North
Carolina to pursue a graduate degree from UNCG (MM), receiving a full scholarship and a
teaching assistantship (group piano and applied piano lessons). Soon afterwards he began
teaching at the Music Academy of North Carolina (MANC), teaching around 50 students each
week. A teaching and accompanist position at North Carolina A&T State University soon
followed. Solo and collaborative performances were frequent while he also became more active
in local and state music education organizations. He began teaching at the UNCG Summer
Music Camp in 1997 and has taught nearly every year since.
Thomas earned his doctorate in Music Education/Piano Pedagogy from the University of
Oklahoma, where he also received a full scholarship and assistantships (music theory and
administrative responsibilities). While in residency in Oklahoma he was the accompanist of the
nationally-recognized Norman Children’s Choir. After completion of his coursework he
returned to North Carolina and soon began teaching at Salem College while directing a
community music school. During this time he returned to MANC, taught as an adjunct faculty at
the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), and served as the accompanist
and director of a church with more than 1700 families.
His teachers include Jane Magrath, Charles Rosen, Barbara Fast, Howard Lubin, John
Salmon, Olga Gross, Nancy Harris, Jean Hegland and Jerry Rubino. Additional lessons,
coachings, and master class performances have been with Ann Schein (the Van Cliburn Teachers
institute), Alicia de Larrocha, Gilbert Kalish, William Black, Ned Rorem, Andrew Willis, and
Joseph DiPiazza.
Teaching, research, and service are the foundations of Dr. Swenson’s career. At MANC
Thomas currently holds the distinction of “Master Teacher,” a title bestowed to teachers who
have demonstrated commitment to the institution and in recognition of the achievements of their
students. As a Permanent Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through MTNA, he regularly
teaches pre-college and adult piano students from throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
Private students often receive scholarships to enhance their lessons at MANC, attend summer
music programs, and pursue music degrees at prestigious music conservatories and universities.
Former students include a Grammy-nominated pianist (directing contemporary music programs
at Walt Disney Hall), and a professional accompanist who held positions with the New York
City Ballet Company and Staatsballett Berlin Dance Company.
Swenson’s dissertation focused on andragogy—the unique circumstances surrounding the
teaching of adults. Articles, reports, and reviews of his are found in leading journals which
include The Piano Magazine/Clavier Companion, American Music Teacher, the Piano Pedagogy
Forum, and several online resources. Thomas’ national presentations include those to MTNA,
the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), the Music Educators National
Conference, and the World Music Symposium. As a recognized leader in teaching adults he has
taught Recreational Music Making classes throughout the world with Crystal Cruises. He has
also given presentations and workshops on less-familiar repertoire, preparing students for
competitions and recitals, technology, piano ensembles, and practicing.
Throughout his time in North Carolina Thomas has served in many leadership roles within
the Greensboro Music Teachers Association, the North Carolina Music Teachers Association,
and the Music Teachers National Association. Highlights include serving as President of
NCMTA, organizing and hosting several NCMTA State Conferences, being elected as the
MTNA Southern Division Director-Elect, and being honored as an MTNA Foundation Fellow.
He now serves on The Committee on Teaching Adults for NCKP and is on the board of directors
for the Eastern Music Festival. Thomas is frequently in demand as an adjudicator, master class
clinician, and consultant.
Dr. Thomas S. Swenson
Thomas Swenson, NCTM, is originally from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a suburb of the
Twin Cities. Following his undergraduate degree (BM) from Minnesota State University and
SUNY Stony Brook, he taught group keyboard classes throughout the Cincinnati metro area as
part of the Music Education Division of Baldwin Piano Manufacturing Company. During this
time he built up a private piano studio of more than 50 students, directed church music programs,
and served as Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. Thomas moved to North
Carolina to pursue a graduate degree from UNCG (MM), receiving a full scholarship and a
teaching assistantship (group piano and applied piano lessons). Soon afterwards he began
teaching at the Music Academy of North Carolina (MANC), teaching around 50 students each
week. A teaching and accompanist position at North Carolina A&T State University soon
followed. Solo and collaborative performances were frequent while he also became more active
in local and state music education organizations. He began teaching at the UNCG Summer
Music Camp in 1997 and has taught nearly every year since.
Thomas earned his doctorate in Music Education/Piano Pedagogy from the University of
Oklahoma, where he also received a full scholarship and assistantships (music theory and
administrative responsibilities). While in residency in Oklahoma he was the accompanist of the
nationally-recognized Norman Children’s Choir. After completion of his coursework he
returned to North Carolina and soon began teaching at Salem College while directing a
community music school. During this time he returned to MANC, taught as an adjunct faculty at
the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), and served as the accompanist
and director of a church with more than 1700 families.
His teachers include Jane Magrath, Charles Rosen, Barbara Fast, Howard Lubin, John
Salmon, Olga Gross, Nancy Harris, Jean Hegland and Jerry Rubino. Additional lessons,
coachings, and master class performances have been with Ann Schein (the Van Cliburn Teachers
institute), Alicia de Larrocha, Gilbert Kalish, William Black, Ned Rorem, Andrew Willis, and
Joseph DiPiazza.
Teaching, research, and service are the foundations of Dr. Swenson’s career. At MANC
Thomas currently holds the distinction of “Master Teacher,” a title bestowed to teachers who
have demonstrated commitment to the institution and in recognition of the achievements of their
students. As a Permanent Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through MTNA, he regularly
teaches pre-college and adult piano students from throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
Private students often receive scholarships to enhance their lessons at MANC, attend summer
music programs, and pursue music degrees at prestigious music conservatories and universities.
Former students include a Grammy-nominated pianist (directing contemporary music programs
at Walt Disney Hall), and a professional accompanist who held positions with the New York
City Ballet Company and Staatsballett Berlin Dance Company.
Swenson’s dissertation focused on andragogy—the unique circumstances surrounding the
teaching of adults. Articles, reports, and reviews of his are found in leading journals which
include The Piano Magazine/Clavier Companion, American Music Teacher, the Piano Pedagogy
Forum, and several online resources. Thomas’ national presentations include those to MTNA,
the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), the Music Educators National
Conference, and the World Music Symposium. As a recognized leader in teaching adults he has
taught Recreational Music Making classes throughout the world with Crystal Cruises. He has
also given presentations and workshops on less-familiar repertoire, preparing students for
competitions and recitals, technology, piano ensembles, and practicing.
Throughout his time in North Carolina Thomas has served in many leadership roles within
the Greensboro Music Teachers Association, the North Carolina Music Teachers Association,
and the Music Teachers National Association. Highlights include serving as President of
NCMTA, organizing and hosting several NCMTA State Conferences, being elected as the
MTNA Southern Division Director-Elect, and being honored as an MTNA Foundation Fellow.
He now serves on The Committee on Teaching Adults for NCKP and is on the board of directors
for the Eastern Music Festival. Thomas is frequently in demand as an adjudicator, master class
clinician, and consultant.
Dr. Thomas S. Swenson
Thomas Swenson, NCTM, is originally from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a suburb of the
Twin Cities. Following his undergraduate degree (BM) from Minnesota State University and
SUNY Stony Brook, he taught group keyboard classes throughout the Cincinnati metro area as
part of the Music Education Division of Baldwin Piano Manufacturing Company. During this
time he built up a private piano studio of more than 50 students, directed church music programs,
and served as Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. Thomas moved to North
Carolina to pursue a graduate degree from UNCG (MM), receiving a full scholarship and a
teaching assistantship (group piano and applied piano lessons). Soon afterwards he began
teaching at the Music Academy of North Carolina (MANC), teaching around 50 students each
week. A teaching and accompanist position at North Carolina A&T State University soon
followed. Solo and collaborative performances were frequent while he also became more active
in local and state music education organizations. He began teaching at the UNCG Summer
Music Camp in 1997 and has taught nearly every year since.
Thomas earned his doctorate in Music Education/Piano Pedagogy from the University of
Oklahoma, where he also received a full scholarship and assistantships (music theory and
administrative responsibilities). While in residency in Oklahoma he was the accompanist of the
nationally-recognized Norman Children’s Choir. After completion of his coursework he
returned to North Carolina and soon began teaching at Salem College while directing a
community music school. During this time he returned to MANC, taught as an adjunct faculty at
the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), and served as the accompanist
and director of a church with more than 1700 families.
His teachers include Jane Magrath, Charles Rosen, Barbara Fast, Howard Lubin, John
Salmon, Olga Gross, Nancy Harris, Jean Hegland and Jerry Rubino. Additional lessons,
coachings, and master class performances have been with Ann Schein (the Van Cliburn Teachers
institute), Alicia de Larrocha, Gilbert Kalish, William Black, Ned Rorem, Andrew Willis, and
Joseph DiPiazza.
Teaching, research, and service are the foundations of Dr. Swenson’s career. At MANC
Thomas currently holds the distinction of “Master Teacher,” a title bestowed to teachers who
have demonstrated commitment to the institution and in recognition of the achievements of their
students. As a Permanent Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through MTNA, he regularly
teaches pre-college and adult piano students from throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
Private students often receive scholarships to enhance their lessons at MANC, attend summer
music programs, and pursue music degrees at prestigious music conservatories and universities.
Former students include a Grammy-nominated pianist (directing contemporary music programs
at Walt Disney Hall), and a professional accompanist who held positions with the New York
City Ballet Company and Staatsballett Berlin Dance Company.
Swenson’s dissertation focused on andragogy—the unique circumstances surrounding the
teaching of adults. Articles, reports, and reviews of his are found in leading journals which
include The Piano Magazine/Clavier Companion, American Music Teacher, the Piano Pedagogy
Forum, and several online resources. Thomas’ national presentations include those to MTNA,
the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), the Music Educators National
Conference, and the World Music Symposium. As a recognized leader in teaching adults he has
taught Recreational Music Making classes throughout the world with Crystal Cruises. He has
also given presentations and workshops on less-familiar repertoire, preparing students for
competitions and recitals, technology, piano ensembles, and practicing.
Throughout his time in North Carolina Thomas has served in many leadership roles within
the Greensboro Music Teachers Association, the North Carolina Music Teachers Association,
and the Music Teachers National Association. Highlights include serving as President of
NCMTA, organizing and hosting several NCMTA State Conferences, being elected as the
MTNA Southern Division Director-Elect, and being honored as an MTNA Foundation Fellow.
He now serves on The Committee on Teaching Adults for NCKP and is on the board of directors
for the Eastern Music Festival. Thomas is frequently in demand as an adjudicator, master class
clinician, and consultant.
Dr. Thomas S. Swenson
Thomas Swenson, NCTM, is originally from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a suburb of the
Twin Cities. Following his undergraduate degree (BM) from Minnesota State University and
SUNY Stony Brook, he taught group keyboard classes throughout the Cincinnati metro area as
part of the Music Education Division of Baldwin Piano Manufacturing Company. During this
time he built up a private piano studio of more than 50 students, directed church music programs,
and served as Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. Thomas moved to North
Carolina to pursue a graduate degree from UNCG (MM), receiving a full scholarship and a
teaching assistantship (group piano and applied piano lessons). Soon afterwards he began
teaching at the Music Academy of North Carolina (MANC), teaching around 50 students each
week. A teaching and accompanist position at North Carolina A&T State University soon
followed. Solo and collaborative performances were frequent while he also became more active
in local and state music education organizations. He began teaching at the UNCG Summer
Music Camp in 1997 and has taught nearly every year since.
Thomas earned his doctorate in Music Education/Piano Pedagogy from the University of
Oklahoma, where he also received a full scholarship and assistantships (music theory and
administrative responsibilities). While in residency in Oklahoma he was the accompanist of the
nationally-recognized Norman Children’s Choir. After completion of his coursework he
returned to North Carolina and soon began teaching at Salem College while directing a
community music school. During this time he returned to MANC, taught as an adjunct faculty at
the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), and served as the accompanist
and director of a church with more than 1700 families.
His teachers include Jane Magrath, Charles Rosen, Barbara Fast, Howard Lubin, John
Salmon, Olga Gross, Nancy Harris, Jean Hegland and Jerry Rubino. Additional lessons,
coachings, and master class performances have been with Ann Schein (the Van Cliburn Teachers
institute), Alicia de Larrocha, Gilbert Kalish, William Black, Ned Rorem, Andrew Willis, and
Joseph DiPiazza.
Teaching, research, and service are the foundations of Dr. Swenson’s career. At MANC
Thomas currently holds the distinction of “Master Teacher,” a title bestowed to teachers who
have demonstrated commitment to the institution and in recognition of the achievements of their
students. As a Permanent Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through MTNA, he regularly
teaches pre-college and adult piano students from throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
Private students often receive scholarships to enhance their lessons at MANC, attend summer
music programs, and pursue music degrees at prestigious music conservatories and universities.
Former students include a Grammy-nominated pianist (directing contemporary music programs
at Walt Disney Hall), and a professional accompanist who held positions with the New York
City Ballet Company and Staatsballett Berlin Dance Company.
Swenson’s dissertation focused on andragogy—the unique circumstances surrounding the
teaching of adults. Articles, reports, and reviews of his are found in leading journals which
include The Piano Magazine/Clavier Companion, American Music Teacher, the Piano Pedagogy
Forum, and several online resources. Thomas’ national presentations include those to MTNA,
the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), the Music Educators National
Conference, and the World Music Symposium. As a recognized leader in teaching adults he has
taught Recreational Music Making classes throughout the world with Crystal Cruises. He has
also given presentations and workshops on less-familiar repertoire, preparing students for
competitions and recitals, technology, piano ensembles, and practicing.
Throughout his time in North Carolina Thomas has served in many leadership roles within
the Greensboro Music Teachers Association, the North Carolina Music Teachers Association,
and the Music Teachers National Association. Highlights include serving as President of
NCMTA, organizing and hosting several NCMTA State Conferences, being elected as the
MTNA Southern Division Director-Elect, and being honored as an MTNA Foundation Fellow.
He now serves on The Committee on Teaching Adults for NCKP and is on the board of directors
for the Eastern Music Festival. Thomas is frequently in demand as an adjudicator, master class
clinician, and consultant.
Thomas Swenson, NCTM, is originally from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities. Following his undergraduate degree (BM) from Minnesota State University and SUNY Stony Brook, he taught group keyboard classes throughout the Cincinnati metro area as part of the Music Education Division of Baldwin Piano Manufacturing Company. During this time he built up a private piano studio of more than 50 students, directed church music programs, and served as Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. Thomas moved to North Carolina to pursue a graduate degree from UNCG (MM), receiving a full scholarship and a teaching assistantship (group piano and applied piano lessons). Soon afterwards he began teaching at the Music Academy of North Carolina (MANC), teaching around 50 students each week. A teaching and accompanist position at North Carolina A&T State University soon followed. Solo and collaborative performances were frequent while he also became more active in local and state music education organizations. He began teaching at the UNCG Summer Music Camp in 1997 and has taught nearly every year since.
Thomas earned his doctorate in Music Education/Piano Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, where he also received a full scholarship and assistantships (music theory and administrative responsibilities). While in residency in Oklahoma he was the accompanist of the nationally-recognized Norman Children’s Choir. After completion of his coursework he returned to North Carolina and soon began teaching at Salem College while directing a community music school. During this time he returned to MANC, taught as an adjunct faculty at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), and served as the accompanist and director of a church with more than 1700 families.
His teachers include Jane Magrath, Charles Rosen, Barbara Fast, Howard Lubin, John Salmon, Olga Gross, Nancy Harris, Jean Hegland and Jerry Rubino. Additional lessons, coachings, and master class performances have been with Ann Schein (the Van Cliburn Teachers institute), Alicia de Larrocha, Gilbert Kalish, William Black, Ned Rorem, Andrew Willis, and Joseph DiPiazza.
Teaching, research, and service are the foundations of Dr. Swenson’s career. At MANC Thomas currently holds the distinction of “Master Teacher,” a title bestowed to teachers who have demonstrated commitment to the institution and in recognition of the achievements of their students. As a Permanent Nationally Certified Teacher of Music through MTNA, he regularly teaches pre-college and adult piano students from throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Private students often receive scholarships to enhance their lessons at MANC, attend summer music programs, and pursue music degrees at prestigious music conservatories and universities. Former students include a Grammy-nominated pianist (directing contemporary music programs at Walt Disney Hall), and a professional accompanist who held positions with the New York City Ballet Company and Staatsballett Berlin Dance Company.
Swenson’s dissertation focused on andragogy—the unique circumstances surrounding the teaching of adults. Articles, reports, and reviews of his are found in leading journals which include The Piano Magazine/Clavier Companion, American Music Teacher, the Piano Pedagogy Forum, and several online resources. Thomas’ national presentations include those to MTNA, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), the Music Educators National Conference, and the World Music Symposium. As a recognized leader in teaching adults he has taught Recreational Music Making classes throughout the world with Crystal Cruises. He has also given presentations and workshops on less-familiar repertoire, preparing students for competitions and recitals, technology, piano ensembles, and practicing.
Throughout his time in North Carolina Thomas has served in many leadership roles within the Greensboro Music Teachers Association, the North Carolina Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association. Highlights include serving as President of NCMTA, organizing and hosting several NCMTA State Conferences, being elected as the MTNA Southern Division Director-Elect, and being honored as an MTNA Foundation Fellow. He now serves on The Committee on Teaching Adults for NCKP and is on the board of directors for the Eastern Music Festival. Thomas is frequently in demand as an adjudicator, master class clinician, and consultant.
