SOPP728: Prolific Composer James Michael Stevens: "Try to Go Slow But Never Stop"

Welcome to Secrets of Organ Playing Podcast No. 728! It's Vidas and usually we do these conversations with Ausra but today I’m delighted to speak with a very special guest—someone whose music has brought inspiration, beauty, and calm to listeners and performers around the world.

Dr. James Michael Stevens, joining us from Nashville, Tennessee, is a remarkably prolific composer, pianist, and educator. He currently serves as the Dean of the School of Music at Welch College, and his creative output is nothing short of astonishing. With thousands of published compositions, Dr. Stevens has developed a signature style that blends lyrical grace, spiritual depth, and heartfelt simplicity.

Many of his works, especially his meditative piano pieces, have become favorites among church musicians, educators, and recording artists alike. His music resonates deeply with people looking for comfort, peace, and emotional honesty—and more recently, it has also found a home in the repertoires of organists.

In this episode, we’ll explore how James approaches composition and stays so remarkably productive. We’ll discuss how he balances creative flow with discipline, what inspires the emotional tone of his music, and how sacred themes guide his writing. We’ll also talk about his experiences in music education, the challenges and rewards of publishing, and what advice he would give to aspiring composers and church musicians today.

Enjoy the conversation!

James Michael Stevens Website:

https://www.jamesmichaelstevens.com/welcome.html

All music at Sheet Music Plus:

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/arrangeme/?q=James+M+Stevens+Music+ASCAP?&aff_id=605733

Organ Solo Music at Sheet Music Plus:

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/category/instruments/piano-and-keyboard/organ/organ-solo/?prefn1=artists_composers&prefv1=James+Michael+Stevens

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7oMHPMTAKVFtskAXuQ4u1k?si=vk9WqmheTUWEfnAAJpUGIAJames Michael Stevens