Available to hire
Hi, I’m Robert Stephens—a composer, educator, performer, and musical director who loves blending traditional training with modern, creative approaches to music education. I enjoy helping students find their unique voice, explore rhythm and harmony, and collaborate in vibrant performance settings.
Over the years I’ve built a diverse career leading choirs, directing ensembles, orchestrating and arranging music, and developing private lesson studios across several states. I am committed to accessible, engaging music education and to producing well-organized, high-energy performances that resonate with students and audiences alike.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Director of Music at Hamilton Park Montessori School
January 1, 2017 - PresentDeveloped and maintained a music curriculum including Orff-Schulwerk, Dalcroze, and digital music composition for a student body of 300; operates a private lesson studio teaching piano, electric bass, drums and voice.
Director of Music at Walker Memorial Baptist Church
November 1, 2016 - May 1, 2018Rehearsed and prepared music for four choirs; conducted and arranged chamber orchestras for Christmas and Easter; digitized and maintained an extensive choral music library; developed a private piano lesson studio.
Organist at Pilgrim Cathedral of New Jersey
June 1, 2015 - November 1, 2016Played Hammond organ and synthesizer; provided private vocal coaching and private instrumental lessons.
Pianist at Low Down Dirty Blues (National Tour)
February 1, 2015 - February 28, 2015Pianist on the national tour accompanying featured performers; collaborated with production team for musical storytelling.
Minister of Music at St Paul’s Baptist Church
July 1, 2013 - July 1, 2015Rehearsed and prepared music for three choirs; played acoustic piano, Hammond and pipe organ; digitized and maintained an extensive choral library; provided private instrumental lessons.
General Music Teacher K-7 at Adelaide L. Sanford Charter School
September 1, 2010 - June 1, 2013Designed and implemented curriculum, unit and lesson plans utilizing small-group and differentiated instruction; implemented computer-based music programs (Auralia, Musition, GarageBand); music director for Gospel choir; staged The Wiz with NY-based live pit orchestra.
Musical Director at Grace Tabernacle Christian Center COGIC
July 1, 2009 - July 1, 2013Rehearsed and prepared music for three choirs; played synthesizer and Hammond organ.
Director of Music at New Life Ministries
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011Rehearsed and prepared music for three choirs; performed on piano, synthesizer, and Hammond organ; provided private instrumental lessons.
Staff Instructor at Soumas Heritage School of Music
June 1, 2000 - September 1, 2006Provided private instruction in piano, drum set, and electric bass; provided vocal coaching and audition preparation.
Musical Director and Arranger at "Black to Broadway" (National Tour)
October 1, 2004 - October 1, 2004Provided musical arrangements of classic African American show tunes; performed on acoustic piano as part of a jazz duo.
Assistant Musical Director at Queen Esther Marrow and the Harlem Gospel Singers
October 1, 2000 - March 1, 2003Sound design and synthesizer programming; arranging and vocal coaching.
Director of Music at First Congregational Church, UCC
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000Assisted the pastor with the preparation of worship music; choral conductor for Adult and Youth Choir; performed choral music on piano and pipe organ.
Musical Director at Unforgettable, The Nat King Cole Story
May 1, 1998 - August 1, 1999Performed as a member of a four-man cast; performed on acoustic piano onstage as part of a jazz trio.
Pianist at Low Down Dirty Blues: featuring Felicia Fields and directed by Randall Myler
February 1, 2015 - PresentPianist for National Tour production 'Low Down Dirty Blues' featuring Felicia Fields; performed on acoustic piano as part of a jazz duo
Musical Director and Arranger at Black to Broadway: featuring TC Carson of Fox’s Living Single
October 1, 2004 - October 1, 2004Provided musical arrangements of classic African American show tunes; Performed on acoustic piano as part of a jazz duo
Director of Music at First Congregational Christian Church, UCC
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000Assisted the pastor with the preparation of music for worship each Sunday; Served as choral conductor for Adult and Youth Choir; Performed choral music, with light anthems and Christian Contemporary Music on piano and pipe organ
Education
Bachelor of Music at New Jersey City University
January 11, 2030 - April 21, 2026Associate of Arts at County College of Morris
January 11, 2030 - April 21, 2026Certificate in Audio Engineering at Institute of Audio Research
January 11, 2030 - April 21, 2026Bachelor of Music (B.M.) at New Jersey City University
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026Associate of Arts (A.A.) at County College of Morris
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026Certificate at Institute of Audio Research
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026New Jersey State Teacher’s Certificate (Alternate Route) at Pending
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026Qualifications
New Jersey State Teacher’s Certificate (Alternate Route) pending
January 11, 2030 - April 21, 2026New Jersey State Teacher’s Certificate (Alternate Route) - pending
January 11, 2030 - April 21, 2026New Jersey State Teacher’s Certificate (Alternate Route)
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026Institute of Audio Research
January 11, 2030 - June 8, 2026Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other
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