MCG Jazz has always supported growing musicians and artists. Read about Paul Thompson's connection to MCG Jazz below!


Music and Mentors.... Paul's Story

In 1988, Paul Thompson's mother dropped him off at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (MCG) Jazz to audition for a student band. She had previously enrolled him in music classes, but it wasn't until he was accepted into the MCG Jazz student ensemble and mentored by jazz legend Dr. Nelson Harrison that Paul began to realize the limitless potential of mastering an instrument and the broader life lessons he would learn through jazz.

Upon graduation from Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts 6-12 (CAPA), Paul enrolled in Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music, where his relationship with MCG Jazz strengthened through a program that offered direct access to such jazz legends as Billy Taylor, Dave Liebman and Herbie Mann. "The door was always open at MCG Jazz, and I got to meet most of my heroes here," Paul recalls fondly, "MCG Jazz brought an international perspective to Pittsburgh's doorstep through emphasizing diverse forms of jazz. This inspired me and made me want to see more of what the world had to offer."

It wasn't long before Paul was on the music radar locally and nationally. At the age of 19, Paul was recruited by legendary percussionist Roger Humphries to join his band. Paul went on to tour with jazz greats Maynard Ferguson and Stanley Turrentine. "Jazz is all about listening and trusting and learning to rely on yourself and your fellow musicians. Jazz brings focus to life," says Paul, "When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, I relied on the discipline and meditation I learned through music to help me manage my symptoms and continue living a full life."

Despite his busy tour schedule, Paul created opportunities to give back to the Pittsburgh community by teaching in the MCG Jazz Student Jazz Spectacular. While an adjunct teacher at CAPA, Paul continues to perform and provides opportunities for his own students to interact and play with professional musicians just as he did in his youth. Making the transformation from mentee to mentor has been very rewarding for Paul. "There's nothing like being in the music, except being able to share the power of music with future generations," says Paul.