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Thornton, Michael Robert

Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • Michael Thornton's research is primarily focused on orchestral performance. He serves concurrently as Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Colorado Symphony. In addition to these duties, Mr. Thornton performs frequently as Principal Horn of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Colorado College Music Festival, and performs regularly with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. Expertise in this area is demonstrated by the consistent success of students at orchestral auditions. Two secondary research areas include the Caruso Method of brass pedagogy, and Optimal Performance Skills and Sports Psychology. Mr. Thornton has worked extensively with the two most noted experts in Caruso Studies, Laurie Frink and Julie Landsman. In addition, Mr. Thornton has become a certified Mental Toughness Trainer, undergoing a rigorous course of study at the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Florida.

keywords

  • horn performance and pedagogy, orchestral performance, chamber music performance, solo performance, caruso method of brass pedagogy, study and pedagogy in the field of sports psychology and optimal performance

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • EMUS 1507 - Chamber Music
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
  • EMUS 3507 - Chamber Music
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
  • EMUS 5507 - Chamber Music
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
  • MUSC 4336 - Brass Pedagogy
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
    Analyzes pedagogical techniques and philosophies of teaching brass instruments, and examines materials. Offered every other spring terms. Same as MUSC 5336.
  • MUSC 5036 - Brass Literature
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2019 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023
    Investigates major original solo works for trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, and ensemble literature including chamber and large settings. Offered every other spring term.
  • ... more

Background

International Activities