JOHN THOMSON DMA, MMus, BMus(perf), LRSM Prof John Thomson studied violin in Auckland before moving to the USA where he completed a masters degree and doctorate in violin performance. He remained in the USA for twenty-five years teaching at universities and maintaining a busy concert career. He has performed for audiences throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia and before dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II and former President George Bush. Dr. Thomson is featured on CD recordings on the Albany Records and AK-Coburg labels. He has published articles of his research on several topics including Viotti, Ole Bull and Gypsy violin music and also acted in several Hollywood movies playing parts of musical characters. Since returning to New Zealand, he has been the Itinerant Violin teacher based at Auckland Grammar School and concertmaster of the Nelson Symphony Orchestra