Musician Ethan Thompson returns home to join North Valley Music School faculty
Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 1 week, 5 days AGO
Musician Ethan Thompson returned to Whitefish recently and joined the faculty at North Valley Music School. (Photo provided)
North Valley Music School is thrilled to welcome Montana-born songwriter, producer and artist, Ethan Thompson, known to many by his artist moniker Alt Bloom, to its faculty of instructors.
After years of working in musicals, operas, films, advertisements, record deals, tours and countless songwriting and production sessions, Thompson is returning to his roots in Whitefish to share his experience and passion with the next generation of musicians.
Thompson’s remarkable career spans genres and continents. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has penned multiple charting hits, including Ocean Park Standoff’s “Good News” and “If You Were Mine,” Vanessa Hudgens’ “Reminding Me,” Shinedown’s number one rock single “State of My Head,” and Xenia Ghali’s number one dance song “Under These Lights.”
His work has garnered over 700 million streams and collaborations with Grammy-winning producers Oak Felder, John Hill, Pete Nappi, and Noel Zancanella, as well as tours alongside Lukas Graham, Andy Grammer, and OneRepublic.
Now, Thompson is channeling that experience into teaching and mentoring.
“After years of creating and collaborating, I’ve learned that everyone’s passion looks different,” said Thompson. “My role as a mentor is to provide structure while nurturing individuality—helping students discover what they truly connect with and build confidence in their own creative choices. The tools we learn here are simply a buffet to choose from; the real goal is guiding them toward the fire of their own creative energy.”
At North Valley Music School, Thompson will lead songwriting and production instruction beginning in January 2025, offering students hands-on experience in the craft of creating music from inspiration to finished work. His teaching approach focuses on both technical skill and personal expression -- equipping students with the tools to find and trust their unique sound.
“We’re honored to welcome Ethan home,” said Deidre Corson, executive director of North Valley Music School. “His success as an artist and songwriter, combined with his deep understanding of creative development, is an incredible gift to our students and community. His return represents exactly what NVMS stands for -- lifelong learning, connection, giving back and changing lives through music.”
North Valley Music School is Montana’s only nonprofit community music school, serving students of all ages and abilities through lessons, workshops, and outreach programs. Thompson’s addition to the faculty marks another step in expanding opportunities for young artists across the Flathead Valley to pursue their musical dreams.