Thomas FitzStephens

Dr. Thomas FitzStephens is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a B.Mus. from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, an M.Mus. in Conducting from Michigan State University’s College of Music, and a Ph.D. in Music Teaching and Learning from Georgia State University. His research focuses on lifelong music learning and musical amateurism, with publications in Visions of Research in Music Education and Teaching Music magazine.

Prior to joining Oglethorpe in 2023, he spent 18 years teaching music in public and private schools, including a decade as Vocal Music Director at the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program at Berry College. He also served as Music Director for Capitol City Opera of Atlanta’s Madrigal Singers. Currently, he leads Harmonia Atlanta, an intergenerational community chorus, and directs Oakhurst Baptist Church’s choir.

His teaching includes courses like Music and Culture and directs university choral groups such as the Oglethorpe Chorale. His work emphasizes accessible, inclusive music education practices and the role of music in fostering lifelong amateur participation.

Dr. FitzStephens has presented at international music education conferences and contributed to scholarly works on pandemic-era pedagogy adaptation. He studied conducting under Dr. Jerry Blackstone, Dr. Sandra Snow, and others, and voice with George Irving Shirley and Molly Fillmore.