Thompson, Maurine E. (1900-2000)
Date Updated
10-24-2019
Department
Music
Academic Rank
Professor of Music
Year Retired from SJSU
1968
Educational Background
Columbia University, NYC, 1935 MS
The Institute of Musical Art, NYC, 1925‑1928 Grad. Music Stdy
Northwestern University, IL , 1923 Summer
Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA, 1923 A.B.
The University of Chicago, 1920 Cert. of Ed.
At least 10 summers in New York coaching under renowned artists Frank LaForge, Richard Hageman, and Coenraad Bos, and extensive travel abroad to Music Festivals.
Teaching Experience
San Jose State College, 1928-1968
Private Tutor, New York City, 1925-1928
Marion & Knoxville, IA, 1923-1925
Centerville, IA, 1920-1921
Administrative and Professional Experience
Concert tour in Iowa, Indiana, and California (spring 1923).
Approximately 25‑30 annual vocal recitals at San Jose State.
Oratorio arias presented annually in San Jose and neighboring cities.
Appearances in Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C. and Bay Area of California, including Stanford University, University of Pacific, and Berkeley Music Center.
Sang the leading role of the "Medium" opera by Menotti (spring 1956) after coaching with Marie Powers, the original artist chosen by the composer.
Chosen as vocal solist for Beethoven Centennial Concert (1927) in New York City.
Served on many Music Department committees at San Jose State.
Program Chairman nine years for San Jose Opera Guild
Patroness of Mu Phi Epsilon, National Honorary Music Sorority, member of Sigma Alpha Iota, San Jose Opera Guild, San Jose Friends of Opera, San Jose and National Retired Teachers Associations, and Association of California Emeriti Professors.
Selected Publications
Wrote many teaching articles of vocal and operatic material for students.
Some material on my methods for coaching of voice in classes was published in magazines distributed by Music Educators Association.
Files
Personal Commentary
When I arrived in San Jose, California, in 1928 to teach vocal music, the campus was much smaller and included the college buildings, San Jose High School, some elementary school buildings, and a Carnegie Library.
In addition to teaching singing, I instituted the Madrigal Singers, patterned after the English Singers, and presented excerpts from opera in the annual student vocal recitals which was a forerunner of Opera Workshop which I started later. A great source of pride to me has been the success of so many graduates who have made names for themselves in various communities. A case in point is Irene Dalis, who instituted the hugely successful Opera San Jose.
In 1966, I was awarded the SWORD of HONOR for outstanding contribution to Music Education by Sigma Alpha Iota, National Professional Music Fraternity for Women. Pan Pipes, the magazine published by SM, carried my picture with the following quotation: "She has received many recognitions of excellence. Her success has been evident both in the fine musical tradition she has created and maintained in the community as a singer and teacher, in the many students who have graduated from her tutelage to famous and notable careers in the musical fields, in her dedication to her work and in the warm personal relationships she has established with her students and colleagues."
When I retired from San Jose State University, President Robert Clark presented me with a Service Award that recognized my 40 years of contribution and devotion to students, vocalists, the Music Department, the community, Opera, and music education. In addition to my professional affiliations, I am a member of the San Jose Chapter D.N. of P.E.O. Sisterhood and Tn Delta Alumnae Chapter of San Jose.
Date Completed: 5/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.