Gwendolyn Burgett Thrasher is assistant professor of percussion at the Michigan State University College of Music.

She began her musical career very early, studying piano and violin at the age of two. As a percussionist, Thrasher has maintained a career as an active solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, the Solisti New York Orchestra, and the Yale Percussion Group. She was also a member of the Eastman Wind Ensemble during its last tour of Japan and Taiwan, under the direction of Donald Hunsburger, and can be heard on the recording “The Eastman Wind Ensemble at 50.” Thrasher has also performed numerous solo recitals throughout the United States and Japan, and has been a featured soloist with the Eastman Philharmonia and the Interlochen Philharmonic.

Thrasher was winner of the Keiko Abe Prize at the second World Marimba competition in Okaya, Japan, and the top prize winner at the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts’ ARTS competition. She was awarded the performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music and has also been the recipient of the Outstanding Young Musician award from the Peabody Conservatory and the Governor’s Scholarship award from the state of Michigan.

Prior to her appointment at Michigan State University, Thrasher was a private percussion instructor and ensemble coach for students at Yale University and gave instruction in marimba and orchestral percussion techniques at the Peabody Conservatory. She is also a former faculty member of the Peabody Preparatory Institute and has led master classes at the Peabody Conservatory, Interlochen Arts Camp, and Roberts Wesleyan University, among others.

Thrasher has studied with world-renowned professors Robert van Sice, Keiko Abe, and John Beck. She holds degrees from the Interlochen Arts Academy, Eastman School of Music, Peabody Conservatory, and the Yale School of Music. 

Marimba Suites (2 CDs)

$24.99

Add to Cart