Bryan Stenson

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Bryan Hiroto Stenson was raised in music through his parents who worked at St. Mary’s International School. His international upbringing in music shaped his perceptions of choral singing, and he seeks to share a global perspective with the students and collaborators he works with. Intent on fostering cross-cultural communication, his research centers on Japanese choral music and folk songs. 

Stenson received the Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and the Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. He served six years as a tenor vocalist in the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” singing for global leaders, nationally televised events, and the public. While in the Army Band, he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Stenson works with a variety of ages and abilities. In addition to the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” he has worked with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Tacoma Youth Chorus, the Children’s Chorus of Washington, Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, and Columbia College in Missouri. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Florida State University where he directs the vocal jazz ensemble and teaches courses in music education.