In addition to his duties as artist/teacher of drum set, he also directs the Eastman Jazz Lab Band, teaches fundamentals of jazz drum set and assists in coaching the rhythm sections of small groups and big bands.Rich “freelances” out of Rochester and New York City. He performed at the IAJE 2000 convention in New Orleans with the Eastman Jazz Trio, IAJE 2002 convention in Long Beach California with Bill Dobbins and Jeff Campbell, a performance at the 2004 IAJE in NYC with the Eastman Jazz Quartet featuring guest artist Rich Perry, and another performance at the 2006 IAJE in NYC with Bill Dobbins and Jeff Campbell. Thompson’s recording bio is extensive and can be accessed at www.richthompson.net.