Teaching Assistant in Orchestral Conducting Co-Director, University of Texas University Orchestra Assistant Conductor, University of Texas Orchestras
ABOUT
Jonathan Thoma is a first-year D.M.A. candidate in orchestral conducting, studying at The University of Texas at Austin with Farkhad Khudyev. He is an assistant conductor with the University of Texas Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and is a co-director of the University Orchestra.
Born and raised in Fort Dodge, IA, Jonathan earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Iowa State University in 2012. Upon graduation, he became an orchestra director in Muscatine, IA where he led the fifth grade and high school string programs. During his tenure, the Muscatine High School orchestras became the largest high school string program in the state of Iowa, and ensembles under his direction consistently earned top ratings at state festivals. He also ran a string bass studio with his students securing spots in the Iowa All-State Orchestra, earning superior ratings at state festivals, and joining collegiate orchestras around the Midwest.
In 2024, Jonathan began working on his master's in orchestral conducting at Texas State University, studying with Dr. Jacob Harrison and Dr. Caroline Beatty. At Texas State, he guest conducted the Texas State Symphony Orchestra, assisted with undergraduate conducting classes, and was a founding director of the Texas State Camerata Orchestra. He graduated from Texas State University in 2026. Jonathan has participated in conducting workshops in Boulder, CO; Baton Rouge, LA; Wichita, KS; New York City, NY; and Requena, Spain. He is blessed in life with his beautiful wife, Misha, and their two kids, Gemma and Elliot.
COURSES
ENS 102U/182U
University Orchestra
Jonathan Thoma is a first-year D.M.A. candidate in orchestral conducting, studying at The University of Texas at Austin with Farkhad Khudyev. He is an assistant conductor with the University of Texas Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and is a co-director of the University Orchestra.
Born and raised in Fort Dodge, IA, Jonathan earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Iowa State University in 2012. Upon graduation, he became an orchestra director in Muscatine, IA where he led the fifth grade and high school string programs. During his tenure, the Muscatine High School orchestras became the largest high school string program in the state of Iowa, and ensembles under his direction consistently earned top ratings at state festivals. He also ran a string bass studio with his students securing spots in the Iowa All-State Orchestra, earning superior ratings at state festivals, and joining collegiate orchestras around the Midwest.
In 2024, Jonathan began working on his master's in orchestral conducting at Texas State University, studying with Dr. Jacob Harrison and Dr. Caroline Beatty. At Texas State, he guest conducted the Texas State Symphony Orchestra, assisted with undergraduate conducting classes, and was a founding director of the Texas State Camerata Orchestra. He graduated from Texas State University in 2026. Jonathan has participated in conducting workshops in Boulder, CO; Baton Rouge, LA; Wichita, KS; New York City, NY; and Requena, Spain. He is blessed in life with his beautiful wife, Misha, and their two kids, Gemma and Elliot.
ENS 102U/182U
University Orchestra
Contact Information
Email address
jmt5923@
Ensembles
Teaching Areas
Orchestras
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Doctor of Musial Arts (in progress)
Master of Music
Texas State University
Bachelor of Music
Iowa State University