William Thompson IV
Assistant Professor
- PHD - Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (2022)
- MM - University of New Orleans (2011)
- BA - University of New Orleans (2006)
MEA 349 Seminar in Sound and Recording Arts (Synthesis)
This course is an introduction to the world of musical audio synthesis. It covers the historical contexts and techniques for the major synthesis methods such as additive, subtractive, FM, physical modeling, wavetable, sample-based, and granular. Additionally, it explores using MIDI to drive our synthesizers and create sound design for many purposes. Prerequisite(s): MEA 230.
MEA 332 Mix and Master
This course is designed to provide students with the requisite theory and hands-on experience in editing and mixing multi-track recordings and mastering stereo audio. Topics may include the following: organization of multi-track recordings, balancing elements, efficient workflow methods, multi-track mixing techniques, signal processing, creating signal flow, editing techniques, and phase interference, P&Q coding and ISRC codes. The course is a valuable source for student portfolio material. Prerequisite(s): MEA 230.
MEA 442 Entrepreneurship in the Arts
An exploration of entrepreneurial principles, tools, concepts, and strategies to create innovative products and ideas in the arts. This Course is oriented towards student proposed creative media ventures. Students will initiate projects organized around creating, building and maintaining an entrepreneurial venture related to creative media. Throughout the semester guest expert lecturers will advise regarding their area of expertise.
MEA 230 Introduction to Audio Production (The University of Southern Mississippi)
This course is an introductory overview of audio and recording theory and practice. It is designed to provide students with the theoretical overview, industry practices, historical context, distribution, and technology related to audio works, as well as providing basic hands-on experience with various audio production technology, software and Digital Audio Workstations..
MEA 331 Live Sound Reinforcement (The University of Southern Mississippi)
This course covers practice, equipment, and management of technical aspects of live sound reinforcement and installed sound.
COM 210 Introduction to Digital Skills (The University of Southern Mississippi)
This class will introduce students to photography and related software (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom). Design elements (Adobe InDesign, Audio essentials (Adobe Audition) and Video essentials (Adobe Premier). This course is designed to introduce students to the skills needed to succeed in upper-level production courses.
MUS 2745 Sound Design (Louisiana State University/Liberty High School)
Topics covered: Introduction to DAW, MIDI, Synthesizers, Plugins, Processing, Composition, Recording Techniques
APMS 2218 Composition for Electronic Media (Tulane University)
This course examines theoretical and practical aspects of the study of Composition for Electronic Media. The exact contents of this course will be tailored to suit the individual needs and interests of students at the instructor’s discretion. (DAWS used: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools…)
SCEN 1015 Computers and Musical Creativity (Tulane University)
This course is intended for young composers and students interested in exploring the use of computers in the creation of music. The course introduces an array of tools, techniques, and motivations associated with Contemporary Computer Music Composition. (DAW used: Ableton Live)
CSC 2700 Programing Digital Media (Louisiana State University/Liberty High School)
Topics covered: JavaScript for web audio and web graphics, physical computing, serial communication between hardware and the web browser, software development cycle for interactive digital media
LSU STEM Pathways Teacher Certification Course (Louisiana State University)
Design and teach six-week Javascript for Digital Media training course at the LSU STEM Pathways Summer Institute to certify high school teachers in the Sound Design course.
MUS 7746 Graduate Seminar in Experimental Music and Digital Media, “Music Signal Processing” (Louisiana State University)
Guest Lecturer persenting, “Composing musical scores with Magenta’s Polyphony RNN”
MUS 273 Jazz Piano (The University of Southern Mississippi)
Topics covered: chord voicings, melodic improvisation, solo repertoire, piano trio repertoire, reharmonization of standards, ensemble performance, transcriptions.
MUS 473 Advanced Jazz Piano (The University of Southern Mississippi)
Topics covered: advanced chord voicings, melodic improvisation, solo repertoire, piano trio repertoire, reharmonization of standards, ensemble performance, transcriptions.
MUS 692-1 Graduate Special Problems (The University of Southern Mississippi)
Private lessons tailored to suit needs and goals of music graduate students.
MUS 692-1 Improvisation I (The University of Southern Mississippi)
A course in jazz improvisation designed to prepare the student with the theoretical background, aural skills, and improvisational techniques utilized in jazz performance.
MUS 792 Special Problems in Music (The University of Southern Mississippi)
Private lessons tailored to suit needs and goals of music undergraduate students.
MUP 480 Jazz Combo (The University of Southern Mississippi)
A course leading a student ensemble of varying instrumentation for live performance and improvisation.