Stephen Main
Stephen Main is a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and film scorer with a deep background in choral and orchestral music. His career began in New York City, where he was introduced to the world of choral music as a choirboy at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, singing under the renowned organist and choral director Gerre Hancock. This formative experience inspired his lifelong passion for composition and music. Stephen went on to study at Oberlin Conservatory, where he earned a B.Mus. in organ performance, alongside a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Religious Philosophy from the University of Chicago.
Stephen’s compositions are recognized for their emotional depth and intricate harmonies, having won several prestigious awards, including the John Ness Beck Award for outstanding achievement in choral composition and the American Composers Forum carol contest. His work has been hailed by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune as “evocative” and able to “capture mystery,” establishing his presence in both sacred and secular music circles.
Currently serving as the Minister of Music at Piedmont Community Church in the Bay Area, Stephen balances his time between composing, conducting, and performing. His compositions have been performed by choirs and orchestras across the U.S., and his extensive body of work includes film scores. His passion for teaching is equally evident—he is active as an instructor, conductor, organist, and harpist, with recent appearances throughout Northern California, Los Angeles, and the Midwest.
Stephen Main’s musical journey is deeply intertwined with his love for both performance and education. He is known not only for his contributions to choral and orchestral music but also for inspiring future generations of musicians through his teaching and mentorship. Living between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Stephen continues to expand his creative reach, composing for film, conducting major performances, and cultivating a love of music in his students.
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Tags: Biography, Music from Humans
[…] this episode of Music from Humans, host Michael Cooke continues the conversation with Stephen Main, a multifaceted composer, conductor, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. In this follow up to The […]