Downs Thompson

Downs is truly a world-class musician and instructor. In addition to a busy private teaching schedule at R.C.M. and his voluteer work in our local school music programs, Downs currently performs live as the fiddle player for country music superstar Clay Walker. He graduated from Bucknell University with a B.A. in Music, and has studied privately with Violin masters in the U.S. as well as Europe. Downs has performed on more than 50 albums in six different countries; he has done Film work with pianist Claude Bolling, among others; he has contributed to 3 books focusing on Irish, Celtic and Bluegrass music. Additionally, he has played the Grand Ol' Opry many times, and has shared the stage with music stars such as Charlie Daniels, Shelby Lynne, Larry Coryell, Brett Mason, Rhett Akins, Charly McCoy, and lots more!

Downs joined the Rancho Canyon Music staff in 2005.