Stephen Simmons
Higher Education
2331 Terrace Way, Columbia,SC
Summary
As an innovative Instructor of Music, I bring a comprehensive background in teaching music appreciation, theory, composition, music history, performance and posses strong skills in fostering academic success among students through imaginative, technologically-enhanced approaches tailored to a variety of learning styles and carefully constructed lectures. I am recognized for inventive curriculum development, creating inclusive classroom environments that inspire creativity and passion for music.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Professor/Lecturer of Music
Troy University
Troy, AL
01.1999 - Current
- Developed and taught music theory, history and appreciation classes.
- Assessed student progress through written exams and graded performances.
- Attended professional conferences to stay current with trends in music education.
- Advised students on music career opportunities.
- Encouraged creativity among students while maintaining high academic standards.
- Facilitated group discussions about musical topics.
- Designed and implemented curricula to challenge students and encourage excellence.
- Gathered music and props for daily class instruction as well as performances.
- Helped students appreciate arts with instructional and immersive techniques.
- Formulated and implemented effective lesson plans focusing on principles of music, musicianship, music theory and history.
- Completed student records and school-related documentation.
- Implemented a broad range of musical genres into the curriculum to cultivate an appreciation for diverse musical traditions.
- Utilized assessment tools to track student achievements and identify areas for improvement.
- Assessed student progress through formal evaluations and informal observations, providing constructive feedback.
- Integrated technology into teaching methods, enhancing interactive learning experiences.
- Taught students about cultural influences in music and art styles.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to students on music fundamentals.
- Created lesson plans to ensure comprehensive coverage of material in a timely manner.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades.
- Incorporated technology into the classroom such as digital audio software, recording devices.
- Supervised the use of musical equipment in the classroom.
International Baccaleureate Diploma Examiner (IBO)
Cardiff
England
01.2006 - Current
- Examiner of musical performance for the International Baccalaureate Organization
- My primary task is to evaluate musical performances submitted to the IBO for purposes of granting advanced studies diplomas to IBO students in their final year of musical study in High School.
Piano Instructor, private
Various
Greensboro, NC/Columbia, SC
01.1992 - Current
- Instruction given to both adults and children.
Director of Music
Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church
Columbia, SC
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Worked closely with church leadership on developing strategies to promote participation in the Music Ministry program.
- Organized annual concerts, recitals, and other related events.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to church musicians.
- Composed original arrangements of existing songs as well as wrote new songs for special occasions.
- Served as a liaison between the church congregation and external organizations such as local schools or universities when planning musical performances.
- Assisted in recruiting guest singers and musicians from outside organizations when needed.
- Developed and implemented music programming for weekly worship services.
- Maintained an up-to-date inventory of all instruments and equipment associated with the Church's Music Ministry program.
- Conducted rehearsals with choir, instrumentalists, and vocalists to prepare for special services and events.
- Collaborated with pastors on selecting appropriate hymns or spirituals for Sunday morning worship services.
- Coordinated with other departments within the church regarding upcoming musical events.
- Established guidelines for proper care and use of musical instruments owned by the church.
- Supervised Church Music Ministry staff in their daily tasks.
- Researched new music pieces to add to the repertoire of the music ministry group.
Music Appreciation
Midlands Technical College
Columbia, SC
01.2001 - 01.2015
- Developed and taught music theory, history and appreciation classes.
- Assessed student progress through written exams and graded performances.
- Attended professional conferences to stay current with trends in music education.
- Advised students on music career opportunities.
- Encouraged creativity among students while maintaining high academic standards.
- Facilitated group discussions about musical topics.
- Designed and implemented curricula to challenge students and encourage excellence.
- Gathered music and props for daily class instruction as well as performances.
- Helped students appreciate the arts with instructional and immersive techniques.
- Formulated and implemented effective lesson plans focusing on principles of music, musicianship, music theory and history.
- Completed student records and school-related documentation.
- Implemented a broad range of musical genres into the curriculum to cultivate an appreciation for diverse musical traditions.
- Utilized assessment tools to track student achievements and identify areas for improvement.
- Assessed student progress through formal evaluations and informal observations, providing constructive feedback.
- Integrated technology into teaching methods, enhancing interactive learning experiences.
- Taught students about cultural influences in music and art styles.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to students on music fundamentals.
- Created lesson plans to ensure comprehensive coverage of material in a timely manner.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades.
- Incorporated technology into the classroom such as digital audio software, recording devices.
- Supervised the use of musical equipment in the classroom.
Music Appreciation
Orangeburg-Calhoun Tech.
Orangeburg, SC
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Developed and delivered a 3-credit hour survey of music course for Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
- Content delivered via traditional classroom instruction and online using WebCT.
Adjunct Professor of Music
Troy University
Troy, AL
01.2000 - 01.2010
- Developed and taught topics in music theory, history and appreciation
- Assessed student progress through written exams and graded performances.
- Attended professional conferences to stay current with trends in music education.
- Advised students on music career opportunities.
- Encouraged creativity among students while maintaining high academic standards.
- Facilitated group discussions about musical topics.
- Designed and implemented curricula to challenge students and encourage excellence.
- Gathered music and props for daily class instruction as well as performances.
- Helped students appreciate arts with instructional and immersive techniques.
- Formulated and implemented effective lesson plans focusing on principles of music, musicianship, music theory and history.
- Completed student records and school-related documentation.
- Implemented a broad range of musical genres into the curriculum to cultivate an appreciation for diverse musical traditions.
- Utilized assessment tools to track student achievements and identify areas for improvement.
- Assessed student progress through formal evaluations and informal observations, providing constructive feedback.
- Integrated technology into teaching methods, enhancing interactive learning experiences.
- Taught students about cultural influences in music and art styles.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to students on music fundamentals.
- Created lesson plans to ensure comprehensive coverage of material in a timely manner.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades.
- Incorporated technology into the classroom such as digital audio software, recording devices.
- Supervised the use of musical equipment in the classroom.
Special Topic Rock Music
Excelsior College
Albany, NY
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Developed and delivered a 3-credit hour survey of Rock Music delivered via WebCT.
- Created lesson plans to ensure comprehensive coverage of material in a timely manner.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades.
- Developed and taught music theory, history and appreciation classes.
- Assessed student progress through written exams and graded performances.
- Encouraged creativity among students while maintaining high academic standards.
- Facilitated group discussions about musical topics.
- Helped students appreciate arts with instructional and immersive techniques.
- Monitored students' progress by analyzing performance metrics.
- Completed student records and school-related documentation.
- Implemented a broad range of musical genres into the curriculum to cultivate an appreciation for diverse musical traditions.
- Assessed student progress through formal evaluations and informal observations, providing constructive feedback.
- Taught students about cultural influences in music and art styles.
Director of Choral Activities
Spring Valley High School
Columbia, SC
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Duties: Development of new choral and music courses appropriate to the high-school environment, exploration of alternative sources of funding to augment state funding, encouragement and advancement of the arts through sponsorship of the National Music Honor Society, administration of the choral-area aspect of the Spring Valley Arts Academy, administration of all aspects of budgeting and spending, administration of processes for choral recruitment-including auditioning new and rising middle school students
- Classes taught include: Mixed Chorus, Viking Singers, Camerata Singers, Women's Ensemble, and Piano Lab.
Director -Traditional Choir
Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church
Columbia, SC
01.1997 - 01.2003
- In addition to choral directing, this position included all aspects of liturgical planning as it applied to the use of music in each week's service and seasons
- Additional functions: recruitment and committee responsibilities.
- Budgetary management
- Worked closely with church leadership on developing strategies to promote participation in the Music Ministry program.
- Organized annual concerts, recitals, and other related events.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to church musicians.
- Composed original arrangements of existing songs as well as wrote new songs for special occasions.
- Served as a liaison between the church congregation and external organizations such as local schools or universities when planning musical performances.
- Assisted in recruiting guest singers and musicians from outside organizations when needed.
- Developed and implemented music programming for weekly worship services.
- Maintained an up-to-date inventory of all instruments and equipment associated with the Church's Music Ministry program.
- Conducted rehearsals with choir, instrumentalists, and vocalists to prepare for special services and events.
- Collaborated with pastors on selecting appropriate hymns or spirituals for Sunday morning worship services.
- Coordinated with other departments within the church regarding upcoming musical events.
- Established guidelines for proper care and use of musical instruments owned by the church.
- Supervised Church Music Ministry staff in their daily tasks.
- Researched new music pieces to add to the repertoire of the music ministry group.
Developed Undergrad Conducting Curriculum
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum and supporting materials for both level one and two of the undergraduate conducting sequence
- For specific course descriptions, please see the appropriate headings below (Beginning Undergraduate Conducting/Advanced Undergraduate Conducting).
Choral Literature Lab (grad&undergrad)
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1999 - 01.2000
- This course was designed to bring greater conducting opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate choral conducting students
- When joined together, an ensemble of appropriate size was formed to afford students an opportunity to explore rehearsal technique in a choral-rehearsal setting-especially important to choral music education majors where experience and podium time make a significant difference in a successful student-teaching experience.
Introduction to Music/Music Appreciation
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Developed content for and taught several semesters of this course to non-music majors
- Each section was typically 75-150 students.
Choral Conducting (private)
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1997 - 01.2000
- In addition to administering the undergraduate choral conducting program at USC, I taught private lessons with both undergraduate and graduate students to address, more comprehensively, individual needs.
Undergrad Conducting Assistant Instructor
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1997 - 01.1999
Choral Methods Assistant Instructor
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1997 - 01.1998
Assistant Conductor of the University Chorus
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1997 - 01.1998
Piano Faculty Member
Carolina Music Academy
Columbia, SC
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Instruction given to both adults and children.
ConductorMary Foust Choir
University of North Carolina
Greensboro, NC
09.1991 - 05.1993
- Created and conducted an undergraduate ensemble of approximately 16 singers
- This group presented concerts for UNCG's Residential College and for community and other University events.
Rehearsal Techniques/Choral Methods
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.2000
- This course was team-taught and provided students with rehearsal planning ideas and strategies for optimizing time usage
- Other topics covered included the psychology of rehearsing and repertoire selection.
Beginning Undergraduate Conducting
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1999
- A thorough training in technique was the primary focus of this course
- Students were expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of patterns, gesture-appropriate articulation and hand independence
- Though focused on building technique, this course took a decidedly literature-based approach.
Conductor of the University Summer Chorus
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
01.1998
- Large ensemble co-conducted with a USC faculty member
- Literature was typically chosen from the extensive body of major works
- This ensemble included a diverse membership from undergraduate to graduate students, faculty and community participants.
Choral/Instrumental Conducting
Limestone College
Gaffney, SC
- Developed and delivered a comprehensive entry-level conducting course for undergraduate music majors
- Content focused on choral conducting skills but was augmented with instrumental pieces and accompaniments with some discussion of integrating musical instruments with choral ensembles
- Additional instruction was focused on the similarities and differences between instrumental and choral conducting.
Advanced Undergraduate Conducting
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
- The second course in the undergraduate conducting sequence at USC, advanced conducting was entirely literature-based
- Through choral music of diverse style periods, students continued to refine their technique while at the same time building a repertoire
- Historical and theoretical research and analysis was an integral component
- Students were expected to give an historical and theoretical analysis of each piece to both the instructor and other students in the class
- In this way, students learned the value of thoroughly understanding the music they conducted while everyone benefited from compiling a wealth of reference materials
- Further, this process facilitated the construction of rehearsal planning and time management.
Conductor of the University Chorus
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
- Large ensemble dedicated to the performance of a wide variety of choral music
- Primarily an undergraduate ensemble.
Conductor of the Graduate Vocal Ensemble
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
- For graduate recitals, this ensemble of 18-24 voices performed works of all historical periods
- This group consisted, primarily, of masters and doctoral-level students in conducting or voice.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts -
University of South Carolina
08-2000
Master of Music-Choral Conducting -
University of South Carolina
05-1997
Bachelor of Music-Piano Performance/Minor in Psychology -
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
05-1995
Skills
- Online Teaching
- In-class Lectures
- Instructional Design
- Creative Instruction
- Instructional technology
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Group and individual instruction
- Program Administration
- Curriculum and Syllabus Development
- Time Management
- Test Proctoring
- Student learning outcomes and data analysis
- Student Engagement
- Group Discussions
- Student assessments
- Student performance evaluation
- Student-Centered Learning
- Learning management interfaces
- Blackboard
- D2L
- Research and analysis
- Audio-Visual Aid Implementation
- Academic Publication
Affiliations
- 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)
Accomplishments
- 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
Timeline
Director of Music
Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church
10.2023 - 03.2024
Special Topic Rock Music
Excelsior College
01.2008 - 01.2009
International Baccaleureate Diploma Examiner (IBO)
Cardiff
01.2006 - Current
Music Appreciation
Orangeburg-Calhoun Tech.
01.2006 - 01.2010
Music Appreciation
Midlands Technical College
01.2001 - 01.2015
Adjunct Professor of Music
Troy University
01.2000 - 01.2010
Director of Choral Activities
Spring Valley High School
01.2000 - 01.2005
Rehearsal Techniques/Choral Methods
University of South Carolina
01.2000
Assistant Professor/Lecturer of Music
Troy University
01.1999 - Current
Developed Undergrad Conducting Curriculum
University of South Carolina
01.1999 - 01.2000
Choral Literature Lab (grad&undergrad)
University of South Carolina
01.1999 - 01.2000
Beginning Undergraduate Conducting
University of South Carolina
01.1999
Conductor of the University Summer Chorus
University of South Carolina
01.1998
Director -Traditional Choir
Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church
01.1997 - 01.2003
Introduction to Music/Music Appreciation
University of South Carolina
01.1997 - 01.2000
Choral Conducting (private)
University of South Carolina
01.1997 - 01.2000
Undergrad Conducting Assistant Instructor
University of South Carolina
01.1997 - 01.1999
Choral Methods Assistant Instructor
University of South Carolina
01.1997 - 01.1998
Assistant Conductor of the University Chorus
University of South Carolina
01.1997 - 01.1998
Piano Faculty Member
Carolina Music Academy
01.1995 - 01.1996
Piano Instructor, private
Various
01.1992 - Current
ConductorMary Foust Choir
University of North Carolina
09.1991 - 05.1993
Choral/Instrumental Conducting
Limestone College
Advanced Undergraduate Conducting
University of South Carolina
Conductor of the University Chorus
University of South Carolina
Conductor of the Graduate Vocal Ensemble
University of South Carolina
Doctor of Musical Arts -
University of South Carolina
Master of Music-Choral Conducting -
University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Music-Piano Performance/Minor in Psychology -
University of North Carolina At Greensboro