Chris A. Thompson

Chris A. Thompson is Professor of Music (Voice) and Musical Director of MSU Opera at Missouri State University, where he is a central figure in the Department of Music within the College of Arts and Letters. He teaches voice performance and song literature at both undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring a distinguished cohort of singers who have earned national recognition.

Dr. Thompson earned his BME from Kansas State University, MM from Loyola University, DMA from the University of Kansas, and a Performance Certificate from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His training has grounded a multifaceted career bridging performance, pedagogy, and artistic direction.

His research and artistic interests focus on voice performance, opera, vocal pedagogy, and the advancement of new music. A lyric baritone acclaimed by Gramophone and Opera News, he has performed over 75 roles across opera, operetta, and musical theatre. He is particularly noted for his interpretation of Schubert’s Winterreise and has premiered numerous contemporary works, including at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

While no traditional academic articles are listed, his creative output as a performer and recording artist demonstrates deep scholarly engagement with vocal repertoire, especially in song cycles and operatic literature. His performances have been released on labels such as Naxos, Albany Records, and Original Cast Recordings.

• Presser Scholar - Zach Zielinski, 2021
• Presser Scholar - Shayne Piles, 2019
• 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Matthew Juhlin, 2022
• 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Giovanni Valforte, 2022
• 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Shayne Piles, 2017
• 1st Place, NATS National Competition - Shayne Piles, 2016
• 2nd Place, NATS National Competition - Jan Veljak, 2023
• 2nd Place, NATS National Competition - Shayne Piles, 2019
• 3rd Place, NATS National Competition - Matthew Juhlin, 2023
• 3rd Place, NATS National Competition - Giovanni Valforte, 2023
• MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Loriana Zavala, 2014
• MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Traci Pritchard, 2014
• MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Jia Ling, 2013
• MSU Concerto/Aria Winner - Josh Markley, 2012

Dr. Thompson has advised numerous students who have gone on to win national awards and scholarships, particularly through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the Presser Foundation. Though no grants are explicitly mentioned, his students’ success and his own performance engagements suggest active support for student development and professional mentorship. He serves as musical director of MSU Opera, providing leadership in staging and artistic direction.

He is also a prominent performer, having served as conductor and musical director for productions such as The Man of La Mancha and The Wizard of Oz. His performance career includes appearances at Carnegie Hall, Off-Broadway in Fermat’s Last Tango, and world premieres at Lincoln Center and the 92nd Street Y.