Meet Joshua Thompson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joshua Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joshua below.

Joshua , thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

From a very young age, my parents instilled the importance and power of language and communication. Speaking clearly and articulately was a must. My father recognized my command of the English language early on and encouraged me to continue reading everything I could get my hands on so I could develop critical thinking skills and how people gain understanding and meaning. Words have always been my armor, so to speak. I don’t have a large or intimidating presence but I’ve always been well aware of my quick wit, healthy vocabulary, and my love of engaging with others through meaningful conversation. Throughout my life, I’ve always used language and music to aid in the pursuit of understanding others and myself. Music is such a powerful communication tool that speaks to and through all of us. Having the ability to use both to bring people together in a sincerely empathetic way feels like a superpower to me. It’s one of the most disarming and endearing qualities I possess.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Known onstage as “Sock Joplin”, Joshua Thompson is a pianist, music sociologist, and lecturer recognized nationally for his expertise on classical composers of African descent. A recipient of numerous awards and national fellowships, Thompson has completed residencies at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, University of Puget Sound, University of Louisville, Seaside, FL, University of Nebraska Omaha, and currently serves as the Creative Partner in Residence with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. A 2019 TED Talk presenter, Thompson is the creator of the award-winning podcast, Melanated Moments in Classical Music which has a global listening audience in over 2,000 cities and is used as curriculum in colleges and universities. Joshua has worked and performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Pulitzer Prize winning composer, Anthony Davis, New York Philharmonic clarinetist Anthony McGill, and legendary operatic soprano, Angela Brown.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Curiosity, skepticism/critique, and integrity are the skills, traits, and values that have had the biggest impact in my personal and professional life. These were values that were non-negotiable in the home I grew up in and I find they are the most necessary for others to develop regardless of profession or social station. All are critical to the development of individuals who have a passion for being service oriented, compassionate, and involved in the health and sustainability of their local, national and global communities.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The level and degree of sacrifices made by my parents throughout my life so myself and my siblings could be prepared and equipped to live the life we desired was massive. My older sister, twin brother and I all started piano at the age of 5 and we went on to study other instruments at the age of 10. My parents were both hard working and selfless people who were paying more for music lessons than they were for their mortgage. All of us had very successful music “careers” as kids (it paid for college) and my brother and I have become professional musicians as a result. They taught us sacrifice, discipline, goal setting, perseverance and doing all things in a spirit of service. They are remarkable people and I owe so much of who I am to both of them, equally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: SockJoplin
• Facebook: Joshua Allen

Image Credits

Profile photo credit: Paul DeAngelo Best
Photos 2-3 credit: Mark Sheldon
Group photo credit: Thomas Mueller
Solo photo credit: Jes Nijjer