Michael Rennels Thompson
- Composer
- Actor
I was passionate about playing violin from the age of eight. However, I became sidetracked into a world of basic medical research. Starting at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, I began research in infectious diseases. My wife and I while on sabbatical at the National Institutes of Health, both learned to dance in the evenings and I learned to play for dance. Now, I am an emeritus associate professor of experiential medicine at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. All the while I was in my 'life in science' I also played music and built instruments when I found time. After all, while in graduate school in biophysics, I felt compelled to build a harpsichord and several hammer dulcimers.
After nearly 30 years in research, I felt the need to play music and make instruments full time.
I play traditional music from many cultures. I have performed with a number of groups for country dancing, preferring to play second fiddle and improvising. I teach children basic skills they would have known if they had grown up in the 18th century. I do this at historic re-enactment events from the east coast to the Midwest.
After nearly 30 years in research, I felt the need to play music and make instruments full time.
I play traditional music from many cultures. I have performed with a number of groups for country dancing, preferring to play second fiddle and improvising. I teach children basic skills they would have known if they had grown up in the 18th century. I do this at historic re-enactment events from the east coast to the Midwest.