James Stephenson

COMPOSER FOR ALL GENRES
Commissions include: Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Ballet,
St. Louis Symphony, The Boston Pops, The “President’s Own” US Marine Band,
as well as music for all ages and skill-levels

News

Current Projects

Concerto for Wind Ensemble

During the fall of 2022, I will be working on a new Concerto for Wind Ensemble.
I absolutely love this concept, because it allows me to focus even more on making sure that each individual instrument, and each individual player in the wind ensemble, gets something exciting to do.
It has long been my writing style to try to reward the performers with challenging yet rewarding parts to play, and I will approach this project with that mindset, on steroids.

Thank you to Andy Yozviak and Tim Holtan for spearheading this project, and to the many ensembles that joined in on the consortium to support it!

~ Jim Stephenson, 2022.

Scram! — newly scored for solo trumpet and chamber orchestra

In 2018, I was asked to write a short encore for trumpeter Amy McCabe to perform with “The President’s Own” US Marine Band during their fall midwest tour. That resulted in Scram! – 3 minutes of virtuosity and fun!

The equally wonderful soloist Mary Bowden has commissioned a version for herself to perform with chamber orchestra.
This should be completed during the fall, 2022. Mary and I have worked together several times, and she recently recorded my Spitfire for trumpet and string quartet (Kassia ensemble).

~ Jim Stephenson

Larry Rachleff; Rhode Island Philharmonic Music Director

“It is a pleasure to say that our premiere of Jim’s violin piece was a great success with the Rhode Island Philharmonic in every way…Jim was so wonderful to work with. He is a real talent with terrific ears, ideas, and the most wonderful manner!”

Recent Releases

new works and arrangements

Charlotte Craff; Manager of Artistic Operations, Utah Symphony

“I just wanted to send you a note to say that your arrangements went off in spectacular fashion for our Family Holiday program at the end of December… your charts brought a fresh excitement to the familiar pieces. We really enjoyed it.”

Upcoming Conducting Engagements


As a conductor, Jim offers a wide variety of options, that can lead to more efficient rehearsal and intimate collaboration. Whether premiering a new orchestral work, or directing several works in a festival/college-residency setting, or simply leading a non-Stephenson program, he offers a composer’s insight that otherwise might go untapped, creating a rewarding experience for both performers and audience-members.

Additionally, with his experience and large catalog as an arranger, you can have Jim conduct your themed Pops concert, and bring all of his own arrangements/original works, making for a complete package deal!

Jim standing under train tracks smiling
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Dr. Scott Meredith; Associate Professor of Trumpet, University of Wyoming

I can’t thank you enough for the joy that you have brought to me and my fellow trumpeters (not to mention the non trumpeters too) with exquisiteness of your music and musicianship! You…are nothing but class!

Upcoming Residencies

Increasingly in demand as a college guest lecturer, Jim has appeared at many colleges and universities across the United States, where he presents talks, master-classes, coachings, and lessons in group or individual settings.

In recent years, these appearances include Ball State University, Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Kennesaw State University, North Dakota State University, SUNY-Fredonia, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, University of Michigan, University of North Texas, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and Wyoming University.

Residencies are tailored to each institution’s needs but they commonly entail the following:

  • Conducting the organization’s ensemble(s)
  • Masterclasses/lectures with students
  • Public/private events with donors and/or board members
  • Pre/Post concert talks, engagement
  • Private composition lessons (may require additional fees)
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