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May 10, 2023

EPISODE 14

STANFORD THOMPSON

Stanford Thompson, renowned musician and educator, is the Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly, and the Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network.

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GUEST ARTIST

Stanford Thompson is a musician and educator who serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly and Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network. Recognized as a TED Fellow, Stanford believes that music education is a powerful tool for positive personal and community change. Mr. Thompson serves on the faculty of the Global Leaders Program and regularly presents at major universities and music conservatories about leadership, entrepreneurship and social justice. As a consultant, he has guided the development of dozens of music programs across the United States and collaborated with major orchestras, higher education institutions, and arts organizations to develop new strategies and initiatives that help provide equitable access to the arts. As a professional trumpeter, Stanford has performed as a soloist and member with major orchestras around the world and continues to perform throughout the Philadelphia region. Stanford is a native of Atlanta, GA, a graduate of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program and holds degrees from The Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory’s Sistema Fellows Program.

Episode Description

Stanford Thompson, musician and educator, is the Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly. He's also the Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network. Recognized as a TED Fellow, Stanford advocates for music education's power to drive positive change in individuals and communities. He's a faculty member of the Global Leaders Program, presenting on leadership, entrepreneurship, and social justice. Stanford's influence extends to consultancy for music programs, orchestras, and arts institutions, promoting equitable access to the arts. Additionally, he's a professional trumpeter, performing worldwide and in Philadelphia. He hails from Atlanta, GA, with degrees from The Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory’s Sistema Fellows Program.


Takeaways

1. Building relationships with others is crucial for personal growth and success. It is important to establish meaningful connections, share talents, and uplift others.
   
2. It is powerful to be part of a wider collective and take charge of building our own networks instead of relying solely on big institutions.
   
3. Advice for nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
   
4. Organizations should prioritize relationship building and make time to develop meaningful connections.
   
5. Advice for young people in preparing themselves for the real world.
   
6. In the face of disruption, it is important to think ahead and prepare for the future, especially for young artists.
   
7. Advice for young musicians to encourage them to expound the possibilities that would work for them.
   
8. Young musicians should focus on developing their skills, keeping all options open, and exploring possibilities that work for them.
   

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Kristine Dizon
The Modern Artist Project