From Student to Supporter: Thompson's Journey with CMST

July 24, 2026

“There are so many ways to build a life around music and helping students see those possibilities is incredibly important.”

When acclaimed pianist, composer, bandleader, and music educator Thompson Egbo-Egbo first joined what was then the Regent Park School of Music (RPSM), he was a 16-year-old piano student with a passion for music and a curiosity about where it could take him. More than two decades later, his connection to CMST has come full circle from student to supporting the next generation of young musicians.

Thompson joined RPSM shortly after the school’s founding in the early 2000s. At just 19 years old, he was invited to join the Board of Directors and helped launch the school’s first summer and day camp programs, creating new opportunities for students outside the regular school year.

After completing the Humber College Jazz Program and later earning his degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Thompson returned to Toronto and reconnected with CMST. He brought new ideas about using technology to expand access to music education, including an iPad-based music production program that introduced students to arranging, composition, and creative expression in new ways.

For Thompson, what makes CMST special is its ability to help students find their own voice. Beyond developing musical skills, students build confidence and an understanding that there are many different paths a career in music can take.

“Music isn’t just about becoming a performer,” says Thompson. “There are so many ways to build a life around music and helping students see those possibilities is incredibly important.”

Thompson’s belief in creating transformative musical opportunities for youth led him to establish the Thompson T. Egbo-Egbo Arts Foundation. Through the Foundation, he established a scholarship program that supports CMST students in attending National Music Camp of Canada each summer. The program removes barriers by covering costs such as tuition, transportation, and instruments, and has supported approximately 40 students to attend over the past several years.

Today, Thompson continues to be inspired by CMST’s growth and innovation, especially its ability to evolve alongside the changing music landscape through programs like DJ and music technology.

“What CMST has become is beyond what anyone originally imagined,” he says. “That growth comes from the organization’s willingness to collaborate, build relationships, and continue finding new ways to support students.”

From his first piano lessons to his ongoing support of young musicians, Thompson’s journey reflects the lasting impact of CMST and the power of music to open doors.

To learn more about Thompson, his work and upcoming performances, please visit his website.