Russell Thorpe

Background

About Russell Thorpe

I have been working in the coffee industry since 2016, first as a barista then as a roaster and trainer, and have been a certified Q-Grader since 2021. I currently run the QC lab and program for Anthem Coffee Imports in Kansas City. In that capacity I roast, cup, and evaluate thousands of coffees every year. To find the good coffees you have to wade through all the bad ones first. I am a classically trained musician and composer, professional coffee roaster and trainer, and a former cognitive trainer. Using current neuroscience research I crafted programs designed to target and improve the cognitive skill domains that make up a person's ability to learn and retain information (processing speed, executive function, and working memory). Just like a sports coach I used my expertise to guide students through these brain training programs, giving them the support and motivation to always try harder than their best every time we work together. The brain has lots of moving parts and understanding and communicating how they all work together is always a fun challenge when talking with new clients. My non-traditional skill-set is the product of being a fast learner. I will quickly fill any lacunae in my qualifications for open positions. As a trained musician and composer working in the Kansas City new music scene I am active in many different kinds of music making. I have written over 2 dozen works for ensembles ranging from full orchestra to string quartet and even environmental installation work.