Guitar, Bass Guitar

Bob began taking guitar lessons as an early teenager with no prior musical experience. He developed basic fundamentals in music theory by learning to play songs and then analyzing what was occurring within the piece with his instructor.

Bob attended Harper College for his core studies in Music Theory, Piano, and Classical guitar. He also accomplished a sound engineering certificate under John Towner through a program offered by Harper College. Steven Suvada was his guitar instructor for his first two years at Harper College. He then transfered to Elmhurst College where he received a B.S. in Music Business.

While at Elmhurst College, Bob was a part of the Classical Guitar Ensemble and continued to take private classical guitar lessons all lead by Steven Suvada. Peter Muschong was his instructor for electric guitar lessons throughout his entire college experience and has had a tremendous influence on his playing.

Name: Bob Thompson

College: Elmhurst College

Major: Music Business

At The Music Room since: 2006

First piece of music that had a profound effect on me:  Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix. The first time I heard this song I was taken back by the raw attitude and tone of his guitar playing.

Music teacher who inspired me the most: 

My first guitar teacher Gary O'Hare really got me hooked on learning lead guitar solos for many of my favorite guitar players at the time. I am thankful that he pushed me to learn these solos at an early stage of lessons.

Favorite quote about music:  "Just make it funky" by James Brown.

My best gig:  The first show with my previous band in Melrose Park.

Favorite classical piece:

Vals No. 2   ~ Antonio Lauro

Favorite rock band:  Pink Floyd

Favorite jazz artist:  Grant Green

Favorite singer:  Bob Marley

How I am making the world a better place: I hope to positively influence and share my passion and knowledge of music with my students.

My email address:

• rthompson@the-music-room.net