Michael SternVisiting Assistant Professor and Interim Director of Instrumental Music

Dr. Michael W. Stern is a conductor, teacher, and artist, currently serving as Director of Instrumental Music at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, where he conducts the Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and teaches courses in music theory and conducting. Prior to his appointment at F&M, Michael completed a tenure as Music Director of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra in Takoma Park, MD which saw significant audience, financial, and cultural growth for the 80-year-old ensemble. Michael's primary focus as a conductor centers around the formation of a positive, collaborative community, valuing the development of life skills through the highest possible artistic achievement.

Active as a guest conductor and clinician, Michael has served frequently as assistant conductor with the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, and has guest conducted numerous youth ensembles throughout the greater Washington D.C. area, including the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra, and DC Youth Orchestra Program.

In addition to his role as a conductor, Michael has worked extensively as an arranger and composer, having written many arrangements for the Elkhart Symphony Orchestra, as well as a special commission of Amazing Grace for the Ithaca High School Choirs. Equally fulfilled by moments out of the spotlight, Michael is a sought-after accompanist, having frequently served as a collaborative pianist at all-county and area all-state honor choirs throughout New York, as well as staff accompanist at the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy. From the keyboard, Michael also formerly served as Director of Contemporary Worship at Christ Chapel in Ithaca, NY.

 

Michael is incredibly passionate about the implementation of transformational leadership on the podium. His recent publication, Redefining Rehearsal: Ensemble Conductors as Transformational Leaders, provides conductors with tools and best practices to unlock student potential through the basic foundations of trust, communication, and shared vision. The purpose of this work is to give students ownership of their development, allowing for continued personal growth well beyond the classroom. 

Michael holds a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in Music Education and Trumpet Performance, master’s degrees from the University of Michigan in Trumpet Performance and Chamber Music, a master’s degree from Ithaca College in Orchestral Conducting, and completed a DMA in Orchestral Conducting at George Mason University. His primary conducting teachers include Michael Haithcock, Grant Cooper, and Dr. Soo Han. He also studied briefly with Marin Alsop and Jim Ross as a participant in the 2022 National Orchestral Institute + Festival in College Park, MD.