We are excited to welcome Dr. Lisa Thomas as the new Director of Music at FUMC-Durant. Lisa has been active in church music from a very early age as the daughter of a Minister of Music father in the Baptist church, and a children’s choir leader mother. Originally from Tulsa, OK, she attended Ouachita Baptist University, majoring in choral music education, and Southern Methodist University, majoring in piano performance. She received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of North Texas in 2010.

Dr. Thomas served as the music director at Wesley UMC in McKinney for nine years as well as in other denominations during her career. Most recently, she has served as the organist, pianist, and bell choir director for Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sherman, and is currently the Organist for Austin College.

Throughout her career, Dr. Thomas has given lecture-recitals and performances across the globe. She has received numerous awards and honors in the music field. She has a special interest in North American indigenous music and culture and continues giving presentations, and performances of solo piano and chamber music. She also enjoys water skiing, snow skiing and riding her horses.

Lisa currently resides in Van Alstyne, TX. She has two sons; Orion, who lives with his wife in Maine, and Hearth, who lives in Dallas.