Valerie Thompson is a versatile cellist and educator with a rich background in both classical and contemporary music. Since 2002, she has been teaching private and small group cello lessons in the greater Boston area. Her teaching experience extends to various music camps and institutions, including the Illinois Wesleyan Cello Camp, Miles of Music Camp, and CelloChan Woods. Currently, she teaches at Brookline Music School and leads Songwriting classes in the Preparatory Department at New England Conservatory. Valerie has further developed her pedagogical skills through studies in string pedagogy with Magdalena Richter and Music-in-Education at the New England Conservatory.

As a performer, Valerie has established herself as a dynamic presence in the Boston music scene. Her versatility is evident in her diverse collaborations, from sharing the stage with jazz pianist Fred Hirsch and rock icon Amanda Palmer to performing with the pop-chamber ensemble Vitamin String Quartet. She has toured nationally and internationally with various ensembles, spanning genres from art-rock to chamber folk, including Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards and Long Time Courting.

Valerie’s career highlights include recording session work, television appearances, and a cultural diplomacy tour in 2014 sponsored by the U.S. State Department and American Music Abroad. This tour took her across India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh, where she both performed and taught.

Through her multifaceted career, Valerie Thompson continues to bridge the worlds of performance and education, bringing her diverse musical experiences to both the stage and the classroom. Her approach to teaching and performing reflects a deep commitment to musical exploration and growth across various genres and styles.