William Thompson

William Thompson is a Professor in the Faculty of Society & Design at Bond University. He holds an adjunct role as Professor Emeritus at Macquarie University and has held visiting professorships at institutions including the University of British Columbia, Durham University, and Harvard University. His research focuses on cognitive psychology, particularly the emotional, social, and cultural implications of music. He leads the Music Sound and Performance Lab, producing over 120 publications and authoring the book Music, Thought and Feeling: Understanding the Psychology of Music (Oxford University Press, 2014).

Education: PhD in Psychology (Queen's University Kingston, 1986), M.A. in Psychology (Queen's University Kingston, 1982), B.Sc. in Psychology (McGill University, 1979).

Key research areas include musical creativity, music and emotion, music therapy for neurological disorders (e.g., dementia), and cultural aspects of music perception. His work bridges cognitive science, neuroscience, and cultural studies, emphasizing music's role in human cognition and well-being.

Recent articles explore topics such as altered states via chanting meditation, music's communication of social emotions, and cognitive benefits of music in exercise. His research highlights music's therapeutic potential and cross-cultural emotional dynamics.

Professional roles include former Head of the Department of Psychology at Macquarie University (2010–2014) and Directorships at the University of Toronto's Institute for Communication and Culture (2005–2006). He has held academic leadership positions at York University Toronto and the University of New South Wales.