Stephen Simmons

Seasoned Music Professor with noteworthy experience in curriculum development, individual and group student mentoring, along with innovative integration of technology within the scope of the curriculum to enhance the learning experience both online and in-person. Strong skills in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for music amongst students. Demonstrated impact in previous roles through successful music programs and contributions to academic research in field of specialty.

• Music Educators National Convention (MENC)
• South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA)
• Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
• American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
• College Music Society (CMS)

• Director of Music, Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC, 2023-01-01, 2024-12-31
• Diploma Examiner (IBO), Cardiff, England, 2006-01-01, present
• Director -Traditional Choir, Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, Columbia, SC, 1997-01-01, 2003-12-31
• Piano Faculty Member, Carolina Music Academy, Columbia, SC, 1995-01-01, 1996-12-31
• Piano Instructor, private, Various, Greensboro, NC/Columbia, SC, 1992-01-01, present

• Nominated for best performance of the year at the Firehouse Center for the Performing Arts, Newburyport, MA
• Co-authored and received a grant totaling more than $80,000 for implementing additional programs in the performing arts at Spring Valley High School. This award is also earmarked for improving the use of technology in the choral classroom and continued professional training via state and national conferences
• Recipient of a $ 5,000 grant for implementation of audio technology in the choral classroom
• Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society
• Winner of the Gardner-Webb Concerto Competition
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music Dean's Award for Excellence in Music
• Winner of the Anita Ghigo Scholarship
• Winner of the Saint Cecilia Music Club Scholarship for collegiate study of the arts

• Psalm 9:2 SATB Piano
• Kyrie SATB a cappella
• Set Me as A Seal SATB a cappella
• Be Thou My Vision SATB Piano
• The Angel's Christmas Quest SATB Piano

• Ich ruf' dir, Herr Jesu Christ (for Two Pianos) Bach/Simmons Fantasie
• Für eine Orgelwalze in F minor (for Two Pianos) Mozart/Busoni, arr./ Simmons, restorations

• Dr. Larry Wyatt, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 1995-01-01, 2000-12-31, conducting
• Dr. Mia Chung, Gordon College, South Hamilton, MA, 1998-01-01, 2000-12-31, piano
• Dr. Richard Conant, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 1998-01-01, 1998-12-31, conducting
• Dr. Martha Shaw, Shorter College, Rome, GA, 1997-01-01, 1998-12-31, conducting/voice
• Dr. Stephen Taylor, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 1998-01-01, 1998-12-31, piano
• Dr. Manny Alvarez, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 1996-01-01, 1996-12-31, instrumental conducting
• Dr. John Salmon, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 1991-01-01, 1995-12-31, piano
• Dr. William Carroll, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 1995-01-01, 1995-12-31, conducting
• Dr. Paul Stewart, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 1994-01-01, 1994-12-31, piano
• Dr. Richard Cox, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 1994-01-01, 1994-12-31, conducting
• Mr. Rick Setzer, Hickory, NC, 1989-01-01, 1991-12-31, piano

• Blackboard-10 years experience
• WebCT 4.1 and 6.0-5 years experience
• Desire2Learn-4 years experience

• Currently collaborating on a musical project with composer David Conte and conductor Martha Shaw to help combat Global Human Trafficking
• Recital, Westminster, Maryland for International Justice Mission
• Recital at the Noorderkere, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, for International Justice Mission
• Textbook review panel member for McGraw-Hill Publishing (Music Division)
• Completed a CD recording of piano-duet music aimed at bringing excitement and understanding of the musical arts to children through exceptional classical literature-includes pieces by Bizet, Ravel and Saint-Saëns
• Presenter at the Maryland State Music Teachers' Association's 2001 Convention
• Guest Artist, Western Maryland University
• Guest Artist/Masterclass Clinician at the Maryland State Music Teachers Association's 2001 Convention
• Guest Artist/Masterclass Clinician at the Carroll County Music Teachers Association's annual solo/ensemble festival in Western Maryland
• Actively preparing two articles for publishing consideration-The Choral Music of David Conte and Beethoven's Piano Duets
• Masterclass clinician-Newburyport, MA
• Benefit concerts for music scholarship funds and Rwandan relief
• Duo-Pianist: I have performed extensively throughout the East Coast, France, Amsterdam and Lisbon, Portugal
• Upcoming engagements include: Limestone College, SC, The Firehouse Performing Arts Center, Newburyport, MA, Columbia College, SC, Baltimore, and Western Maryland University
• Creator of "Musical Excursions." This series of lecture-demonstrations was created to bring, to the layman, a greater understanding of and appreciation for the acutely diverse world of the musical arts.