Jim Tompkins-MacLaine

Jim Tompkins-MacLaine has performed as a singer and pianist on six continents and is currently looking for work in Antarctica . . .

Whether in front of an orchestra or seated at a piano, Jim Tompkins-MacLaine brings a unique vitality to singing. Equally comfortable with classical repertoire, musical theatre and jazz standards, he guarantees a program that will delight the audience.

 Jim made his debut at Carnegie Hall in January of 1998 with the internationally-acclaimed Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers in a concert honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as both a tenor soloist and as a pianist. He returned later that year to perform Haydn's Creation under the baton of Sir Neville Mariner, and the following year with Händel's Messiah conducted by Sir John Rutter.

Jim studied flute performance and choral conducting at Miami University in Oxford , Ohio , and studied voice with soprano Eddye Pierce Young. He also had the rare opportunity to study theory, conducting and orchestration with “ America 's Composer,” Aaron Copland. Further study at Arizona State University gave him the opportunity to work with Patricia Jarvis and Marion Smith, with summer excursions to The Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara , where he coached under the tutelage of the great Gwendolyn Koldovsky. Since settling in San Diego in 1986, he has studied with Jane Westbrook, Marni Nixon and coach George Trovillo. He currently maintains a busy vocal studio while completing a master's degree in Music History at San Diego State University .