It is an honour to stand before you today to celebrate the remarkable achievements of a distinguished colleague and dearfriend, Bill Thompson.

Over the past 30 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Bill, beginning as an undergraduate student, years later asa post-doctoral fellow, and ultimately as a collaborator. Over this time, I have been consistently inspired by Bill’s creativity,research innovation, his profound influence on the field of music psychology, and his unwavering dedication to the SMPC.

Even after relocating to the other side of the globe, Bill’s commitment to our Society has never wavered. His extensiveleadership within SMPC, his groundbreaking research, his editorial contributions, and his passion for mentorship and diversityall stand as testaments to his exceptional talent and character.

It is incredibly fitting that Bill receives the SMPC Lifetime Achievement Award today, accompanied by his partner Pat, and surrounded by so many of his former students and colleagues from around the globe. Bill’s legacy is not only one of scholarly excellence but also of inspiring and nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Bill, your contributions to our field are truly profound, and I am thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved honour with you.

Congratulations to the extraordinary Bill Thompson!!!

• As read by Frank Russo at the 2024 SMPC Meeting