Margaret Thompson

BM Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music
MM DePaul University ​

Chicago-based trumpeter and teacher Margaret Thompson is passionate about chamber music, orchestral performance, and solo repertoire. Margaret enjoys performing classical music and helping students find their voices. 

As a chamber musician, Margaret has performed with the brass quintet Realm Brass, Bowtie Brass, DePaul Trumpet Ensemble, and Baroque Trumpet Ensemble. She has performed with the Chicago Metropolitan Orchestra, Lake Shore Orchestra, Lake County Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Brass Band. Margaret has enjoyed her experiences performing in operas and musicals such as Menotti's The Consul (with Chicago Summer Opera,) Fiddler On The Roof, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Marriage of Figaro, Britten’s Midsummer Night's Dream, Carmen, and Falstaff. In addition, Margaret has performed in several masterclasses, most notably for Hakan Hardenberger, Esteban Batallan, Tage Larsen, and American Brass Quintet.

Margaret’s teaching philosophy is based on the core tenets of sound production and sound development. Playing with ease through mindfulness and meditation is an essential aspect of her teaching. She believes each student can play beautifully and confidently after achieving a calm mind and body. Margaret strives to be a supportive and engaging teacher who inspires a love for the trumpet with fun learning techniques. 

Margaret Thompson holds a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music and a Masters of Music in Brass Performance at DePaul University. Margaret has attended the Oberlin Trumpet Workshop, International Trumpet Guild Conference, Interlochen, and the Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar. She has studied trumpet with David Greenhoe, John Daniel, Paul Lowry, and Stephen Burns. She previously was a Teaching Artist through DePaul with Chicago Public Schools, teaching a diverse range of students from grade school through high school. Margaret continues to teach trumpet lessons through DePaul’s Community Music Division and is an intern at the New Music School. When she isn’t playing her instrument, she enjoys learning French, reading, exploring the city, and taking care of animals.