BrianBrian Thacker is the Instructional Technology Consultant in the School of Music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has made presentations at both national and state music and teacher education conferences in the areas of technology instruction and trombone performance and pedagogical techniques. He has represented MakeMusic Technology demonstrating both SmartMusic and Finale at state music educator conferences and at the International Trombone Festival. Dr. Thacker has performed as member of the New Mexico, North Carolina, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestras, the UNCG Trombone Ensemble—a featured ensemble at the 30th Annual International Trombone Festival in May 2001—and several jazz, rock, and ska bands. He holds the BM from UNCG, the MM from the University of New Mexico and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in trombone performance from UNCG.

Current CV PDF

Extended Biography

I began playing the trombone when I was ten years old. My first instrument was a Blessing student model, but within a year I switched to a Bach Mercedes II because I couldn’t reach six or seventh position (it wasn’t until college before I’d be able to reach seventh). When I was twelve I started to study privately with Mr. Roy Price, in Charleston, WV. Also at this time I joined the International Trombone Association to learn more about my instrument and its history. Until I graduated from high school I continued to study with Mr. Price and he provided me with a solid foundation for my future studies.

During this time, my father worked for Hewlett Packard Medical Division. My first IBM PC compatible was a box of parts and a repair manual which my dad promptly explained was mine if I wanted to build it. (He did the same thing to me with my first car, which was a ’78 Chevy Nova with an in-line six that I had to rebuild). Before the PC I had a Timex-Sinclair ZX-81 and then a Commodore 64, which started my interest in music and computers.

After high school I attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where I continued studying the trombone with Dr. Randy Kohlenberg. Dr. Kohlenberg became one of the biggest influences in both my musical and educational experiences. I attribute both my approach and love of teaching as a direct result of his instruction.

At the end of my undergraduate degree, what could be though as a tragedy at the time struck my playing, Bell’s Palsy. I went from being an above average college undergraduate performer to not being able to play a single note overnight. However, I did not let that stop me and after many hours of hard work and frustration I finally overcame this episode. It was a blessing in disguise, whereas before when I studied with Randy, I learned his technique and approach to the instrument as a rather mature player for my age. Before I had started college I was already working on what is considered college junior or senior level literature, so while I tried to implement his approach to the instrument, I admit I was set in my ways. Starting with this clean slate, I was able to learn not only the instrument from a “first note” approach, but also was able to analyze my learning style and how it related to teaching. From that one experience I have a unique position of being able to relate to many technical problems involved with playing a brass instrument.

After that experience, I started my master’s degree at the University of New Mexico, where I studied with Dr. Karl Hinterbichler. What Mr. Price and Dr. Kohlenberg were to my technical studies, Dr. Hinterbichler was to my developing musicality. I have often been complimented on my musical style, which I owe an extreme debt towards Dr. Hinterbichler.

For my doctorate I return to UNCG to study further with Dr. Kohlenberg. At this point, I was still trying to decide if I wanted to take my chances being a performer with the risk of the Bell’s Palsy returning at any point, or if I wanted to teach. In my opinion, studying at UNCG gave me the best opportunities to pursue both. After my first year of the doctoral program I took time off to perform professionally in several venues. I returned to school to finish my DMA and during that time I was appointed to the job I have today.