Available to hire
Hi, I’m John Gentry Tennyson, a passionate composer and music professional with a Doctorate in Composition and Theory from the University of Arizona. I’ve had the privilege of working extensively as a music director, pianist, and conductor in various theatrical and musical productions across the country. With years of experience in composition, orchestration, and performance, I strive to create music that resonates and tells powerful stories.
Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with incredible artists and institutions, contributing to live performances, workshops, and recordings. Whether directing a musical or composing original scores, I approach every project with creativity, dedication, and a love for the craft. I’m always excited to explore new musical challenges and continue growing as an artist and educator.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Italian
Advanced
Work Experience
Associate Music Director at The Alliance Theatre
January 1, 2024 - PresentAssociate Music Director for the Pre-Broadway Production of The Preacher’s Wife in Atlanta, GA.
Music Supervisor & Director | Arranger & Orchestrator at Los Angeles Workshop with Keith David
January 1, 2023 - PresentMusic Supervisor and Director, as well as arranger and orchestrator for "Here’s To Life - The Life and Music of Joe Williams".
Associate Music Director | Keyboard I at The Old Globe Theatre
December 31, 2022 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director and keyboard player for the pre-Broadway production of Dancin’ - Fosse Revival in San Diego, CA.
Conductor | Keyboard I at Pasadena Playhouse
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Conductor and keyboardist for Little Shop of Horrors.
Music Director | Conductor at La Mirada Theatre
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Music Director and conductor of An American Victory.
Associate Music Director | Pianist at Disney Plus Reality TV
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director and pianist for episode 12 of season 1 (Ragtime) of Encore! with Kristen Bell.
Associate Music Director | Keyboard I at La Mirada Theatre
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director and keyboardist for Beauty and the Beast production.
Associate Music Director | Pianist, Keyboard I at Pasadena Playhouse
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director and pianist for Ragtime.
Executive Producer at Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions
December 31, 2017 - July 29, 2025Executive Producer for multiple projects including raising title sponsorships and producing films like Chasing Taste. Managed significant fundraising efforts and project funding.
Associate Music Director/Keyboard at Kirk Douglas Theatre
December 31, 2016 - July 29, 2025Arranger, orchestrator, and associate music director for Recorded In Hollywood production. Received Ovation Award.
Co-Music Director/Pianist, Co-Arranger at Pasadena Playhouse Theatre
December 31, 2015 - July 29, 2025Co-music director and pianist for Breaking Through.
Associate Music Director/Keyboardist/Co-Arranger at Ebony Repertory Theatre
December 31, 2015 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director, keyboardist, and co-arranger for Gospel At Colonus production. Received Ovation Award.
Co-Founder/Artistic Director at Centro Raccontami
December 31, 2013 - July 29, 2025Founded and directed an Italian language and cultural arts center in New York, managing daily operations, payroll, events, and creative outputs including award-winning language CDs.
Writer/Creative Consultant at Quincy Jones/Patti Austin Enterprises
December 31, 2011 - July 29, 2025Created proposals and served as liaison for TV special projects with investors and creative teams.
Pianist, Co-Arranger at East West Players Theatre
December 31, 2011 - July 29, 2025Pianist and co-arranger for the production "Tea, with Music".
Pianist, Conductor at East West Players Theatre
December 31, 2011 - July 29, 2025Pianist and conductor for the production "A Little Night Music".
Music Director at World Tour - King Of Pop: Michael Jackson Tribute
December 31, 2009 - July 29, 2025Music Director for world tour, maintaining creative standards, transcribing and arranging vocals, directing band and vocalists, and creating supplemental audio tracks.
Music Director at The Old Globe Theatre
December 31, 2009 - July 29, 2025Music Director and conductor for The First Wives Club, overseeing ensemble of 27 and 12 member orchestra, and acting as showrunner.
Music Supervisor at Middle East International Film Festival
December 31, 2008 - July 29, 2025Supervised music creation and licensing for ceremonies, managed scheduling, talent, and engineered house sound for events in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Music Director and Contractor at Opera Noir
December 31, 2012 - July 29, 2025Music director, contractor, and organizer for vocals, orchestra, payroll and performances over 8 years. Managed conflict resolution between artistic staff and talent.
Solo classical crossover artist and composer at Angel/EMI Classics
December 31, 2005 - July 29, 2025Performed worldwide as a solo recording artist and composer with multiple CD releases and tours across Europe.
Music Director/Pianist/Keyboardist/Arranger at Various Contemporary Artists and Tours
December 31, 2017 - July 29, 2025Provided music direction, piano, keyboards, and arrangements for a wide range of celebrated artists across genres, including Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, and Aerosmith, over a 30-year span.
Musician - Pianist and Orchestra member at Various Orchestras
December 31, 2001 - July 29, 2025Performed as a pianist and orchestra member for multiple prestigious orchestras including New York Pops Symphony, Houston Pops Symphony, and Grammy-winning Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks.
Associate Music Director at The Alliance Theatre - Atlanta, GA
December 31, 2024 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director for the Pre-Broadway Production of The Preacher’s Wife in 2024.
Music Supervisor & Director | Arranger & Orchestrator at Los Angeles Workshop with Keith David
December 31, 2023 - July 29, 2025Music Supervisor, Director, Arranger and Orchestrator for Here’s To Life - The Life and Music of Joe Williams in 2023.
Associate Music Director | Keyboard I at The Old Globe Theatre - San Diego, CA
December 31, 2022 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director and Keyboard I for the Dancin’ - Fosse Revival Pre-Broadway Production in 2022.
Conductor | Keyboard I at Pasadena Playhouse - Pasadena, CA
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Conductor and Keyboard I for Little Shop of Horrors in 2019.
Music Director | Conductor at La Mirada Theatre - La Mirada, CA
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Music Director and Conductor for An American Victory in 2019.
Associate Music Director | Pianist at Pasadena Playhouse - Pasadena, CA
December 31, 2019 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director and Pianist for Ragtime in 2019.
Executive Producer at Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions
December 31, 2017 - July 29, 2025Raised title sponsorships for 2013 Academy Awards Oscar Gifting Suite and produced multiple film projects including Chasing Taste, raising significant production funds.
Associate Music Director/Keyboard at Kirk Douglas Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
December 31, 2016 - July 29, 2025Arranger, Orchestrator and Associate Music Director for Recorded In Hollywood, awarded Ovation Award in 2016.
Co-Music Director/Pianist at Pasadena Playhouse Theatre - Pasadena, CA
December 31, 2015 - July 29, 2025Co-Music Director and Pianist for Breaking Through in 2015.
Associate Music Director/Keyboardist/Co-Arranger at Ebony Repertory Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
December 31, 2015 - July 29, 2025Associate Music Director, Keyboardist and Co-Arranger for Gospel At Colonus, awarded Ovation Award in 2015.
Co-Founder/Artistic Director at Centro Raccontami - Italian Language and Cultural Arts Center
December 31, 2013 - July 29, 2025Established non-profit 501(c)3 status, managed operations, liaised with Italian Embassy, secured bookings, and composed language learning CDs, building it to the #1 foreign language center in tri-state area.
Education
Doctorate in Composition and Theory at Fred Fox School of Music | University of Arizona
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022Masters in Composition at Newcomb School of Music | Tulane University
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at University of North Texas
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1987Doctorate in Composition and Theory at Fred Fox School of Music | University of Arizona
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022Masters in Composition at Newcomb School of Music | Tulane University
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at University of North Texas
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1987Qualifications
Bradley Foundation Fellowship
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022Eirene Lamb Scholarship
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Ivancovich Memorial Scholarship
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Full Scholarship, Doctorate In Composition
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022Maynard Klein Award
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018CELT Teaching Award
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Full Scholarship, Masters In Composition
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018Ovation Award | Recorded In Hollywood
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Ovation Award | Gospel At Colonus
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015Winner Best Comedy Feature, Chasing Taste
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Recipient of NEA | Challenge America Grant
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009Producer of the Year in Switzerland | Children’s Music
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007Winner of Stanley Clarke’s | Bands Across America TV Show
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005Candidate for Rome Prize
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023Finalist in Earshot Readings | American Composers Orchestra
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023Bradley Foundation Fellowship | University of Arizona
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022Eirene Lamb Scholarship | University of Arizona
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Ivancovich Memorial Scholarship | University of Arizona
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Full Scholarship, Doctorate In Composition | University of Arizona
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022Maynard Klein Award | Tulane University
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018CELT Teaching Award | Tulane University
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Full Scholarship, Masters In Composition | Tulane University
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018Ovation Award | Recorded In Hollywood
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Ovation Award | Gospel At Colonus
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015Winner Best Comedy Feature (Chasing Taste)
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Recipient of NEA | Challenge America Grant through Opera Noir
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009Producer of the Year in Switzerland | Children’s Music
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007Winner of Stanley Clarke’s | Bands Across America TV Show
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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