John Thompson
American pianist/composer John Thompson (1889-1963) was born in Pennsylvania. At an early age, he appeared as a concert pianist in all the principal cities of America and Europe, where his brilliant playing received much praise. After concluding his concert career, he headed music departments at conservatories in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Kansas City. During these tenures he developed certain definite and original ideas about teaching, and in a short time became famous for his sincere efforts to interest young students in pianism. His Teaching Little Fingers to Play and Modern Course for the Piano remain some of the best-selling methods in the world today.