Sean Stephenson
Title: Lecturer of Music
Department: Visual and Performing Arts
Office Location: Music Building 208
Phone: 641-628-5369
Email: stephensons@central.edu
Degrees
B.M. from Millikin University
M.M. from University of Missouri Kansas City
D.A. from University of Northern Colorado
Areas of Expertise
Voice Science, Vocal Pedagogy, Lyric Diction, Music History
About Sean Stephenson
Sean Stephenson is a lifelong performer whose career has spanned the genres of jazz, musical theatre, a cappella, choral and his greatest musical passions of opera and early music. Combined with a teaching career that has been evolving for more than 10 years, Stephenson feels at home teaching most singing styles to all ages. A member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Stephenson has guided students to semi-finalist and finalist positions in both district and regional NATS competitions. In addition, Stephenson is fascinated with vocal anatomy and vocal acoustics. He uses these scientific approaches alongside a dialogue-driven teaching philosophy to put each student in a position of ownership of their instrument. Above all, Stephenson has a passion for teaching and enjoys watching his students succeed and develop their love for music and singing.
As a singing professional, Stephenson has populated ensembles and opera companies throughout the Midwest, Colorado and the west coast. Recent performances include roles as Don Basilio in “Le Nozze di Figaro” with Boulder Symphony; Tonio in “Daughter of the Regiment” with Opera Fort Collins; Slender in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” with Loveland Opera Theatre; Candide in “Candide” with UNC Opera Theatre; the cover for Prince Ramiro in “Cenerentola” with Opera Fort Collins; and Monostatos in “Die Zauberflöte” with Arapahoe Philharmonic. Other notable appearances include tenor soloist in Bach’s B Minor Mass with the American Bach Soloists; soloist in Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass with the UNC Combined Choirs and Orchestra; soloist in CPE Bach’s Magnificat with the musicians of Boulder’s First United Methodist Church; and all of J.S. Bach’s major works with Colorado Bach Ensemble.
Stephenson holds a Doctor of Arts degree in voice performance from the University of Northern Colorado. When not engaged in music or teaching, Stephenson enjoys the outdoors, running, reading, gardening, the French language and the art of coffee making.