Eric M. Thompson has emerged as one of the jazz world’s most versatile drum-set artists and is quickly developing an exceptional resume as one of marching percussion’s up and coming instructors, composers, arrangers and consultants.

Eric graduated from The New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in Jazz Studies, studying with Fred Buda, Cecil McBee, and Danilo Perez. After graduation Eric moved to New York City, where he continued to perform, record, and tour; both nationally and internationally as a performer and clinician. 

Thompson’s rudimental career began in Cedar Rapids also, where he marched with the Emerald Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, and finishing his marching years as a two-member (1989 & 1991) of the world champion Star of Indiana Drum & Bugle Corps. Eric went on to march in, instruct, and write for the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band.

As an instructor, consultant, and arranger, Thompson served on the Colts percussion staff in 1994; has and still consults with multiple high school lines in Iowa and New York; and served on the percussion staff of the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps from 2006-2009. He currently composes, arranges, and instructs for the Warrior Marching Band percussion section from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. Thompson is also the assistant director of the Grant Wood All-City Flag & Drum Corps, also of Cedar Rapids.

Presently, Thompson is s continuing member of Guaranteed Swahili and a member of Equilateral, a chord-less jazz quartet, based in Iowa City, IA; has two bands under his name, and regularly holds rudimental and drum-set master classes in and around the Midwest, with Cedar Rapids as “home-base.”