January's Featured Manager: Duke Thompson

Thompson's Advice: Think thoroughly about intent

Name and title: Duke Thompson, president and founder of the Maryland Conservatory for Music, which has campuses in Bel Air and Havre de Grace, and chairman of Duke Thompson Industries and Concerts for Causes, Inc.

Personal background: Thompson was born in Canada and grew up in Havre de Grace. He went to Harford Day School, John Carroll School, Ithaca College, got a bachelor’s degree from UMBC, a master’s from University of Maryland College Park, and a doctorate of music arts from Arizona State University. He has studied at Columbia University, Peabody Conservatory, the Brevard Music Center and in France and Colorado.

Professional background: Thompson taught music in Canada for 17 years and owns a blues club, the Vat Pub, in Alberta. He founded the Maryland Conservatory of Music in 2001. Thompson has performed as a pianist in the United  States, Canada and Japan. He has recorded two solo piano CDs and produced three other CDs. Thompson is the creator and presenter of “Music for the Inner Self,” a healing program. His Duke Thompson Industries manages his CD recording and performances.

Keys to success: “I have always tried to stay in touch with supply and demand. Specifically, can I provide my service and product to the public that also provides the best collection of characteristic great learning and experience?” said Thompson, adding, “I love music, particularly the piano. I continue to learn and develop the markets for performance, teaching and educational presentations.”

Goals: His goal, said Thompson, is “to continue to see the Maryland Conservatory of Music flourish and do more innovative performing through Concerts for Causes for worthy missions such as Habitat for Humanity, KidsSave and scholarship funds.”

Advice: “Think thoroughly about your intent with regard to what you are going to offer. Make adjustments to accommodate actual needs and how your product or service can achieve a greater good for your cause, whether it is business or humanitarian or a bit of both,” said Thompson.

What could be done to make business more successful: “More philanthropists becoming aware of how incredibly magical and helpful music is to all walks of life, whether they’re adults recovering from alcohol or drug dependence, kids at risk, or anyone who wants to participate in the very positive act of quality music making,” said Thompson.