John Thomson has taught violin and viola at the University of South Dakota since 1994. In addition to teaching violin and viola at USD, Thomson conducts the USD chamber Orchestra, and performs with USD’s Rawlins Piano Trio.

Born in England, he moved to New Zealand where he did his undergraduate study. He gained his Masters and Doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas, studying with Robert Davidovici. His final dissertation concerned Gypsy violin music, an area in which he is now considered an expert. He has published his arrangement of music by the romantic Norwegian virtuoso, Ole Bull. The late Lord Yehudi Menuhin called this version by Thomson an "excellent arrangement." Critics have praised Thomson’s "brilliant technique" and "appealing cantabile", calling his playing a "rare treat." Italian violinist Franco Gulli wrote to Thomson "I have admired your remarkable facility in performing the music of Paganini."