After attending NRO in 2014, Kevin Tompkins completed his graduate studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with William Preucil and Stephen Rose. During his time in Cleveland, he performed with the Akron Symphony, Erie Philharmonic, Firelands Symphony, and other regional orchestras. Mr. Tompkins was also invited to serve as guest concertmaster for the Ashland Symphony for their opening concert this season. During the summer of 2015, he studied and performed at the Lucerne Festival Academy in Switzerland, and continued his studies with Mr. Preucil at the Brevard Music Center. This past summer, Mr. Tompkins was a member of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, and attended the Aspen Music Festival as a full-scholarship student of Alexander Kerr.
Currently, Mr. Tompkins won a new position as Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Omaha Symphony, which he auditioned for and won in mid-September. He started working on October 7, 2016.
Mr. Tompkins shares, “NRO was unique in its emphasis on preparing students for the day-to-day requirements of an orchestral career. I was able to hone in on techniques and strategies for preparing orchestra music that I apply constantly in my new position. All of that, combined with a stunning location (and climbing several 14ers!) made NRO a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience.”