Deborah Thoreson, Accompanist joined the Emory College faculty in 1978. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Georgia and a Master of Music in piano performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music. As Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Music at Emory, Ms. Thoreson advises music majors and coordinates course offerings. She teaches introductory courses in music theory and composition and music appreciation, as well as private piano, accompanying, and chamber music.

Ms. Thoreson is an active performer in a variety of musical settings including chamber music performances, choral presentations, instrumental and vocal recitals. Her performances with flutist Carl Hall have been broadcast on National Public Radio and she has recorded Messiaen's Poèmes pour mi, Book I with soprano Teresa Hopkin on the ACA Digital label. Ms. Thoreson has performed in England and throughout the United States with the Emory University Concert Choir and toured as pianist with The Atlanta Boy Choir to England, Wales, and Russia. In 1999, Ms. Thoreson collaborated with Emory University faculty member, soprano Bonnie Pomfret, for performances in Pecs, Hungary, and St. Petersburg, Russia. They performed American art song repertoire from the 20th century, including St. Petersburg premieres of George Crumb's Apparition for soprano and amplified piano and John Harbison's Mirabai Songs for soprano and piano.