Bio
Steven Cunningham, raised in Dinwiddie, Virginia, is the Assistant Professor of Music Education at Hampton University where he serves as the Coordinator of Music Education and Trumpet professor in the Department of Music and Performing Arts. Prior to his appointment at HU, Dr. Cunningham served as the Assistant Professor of Upper Brasswinds/Assistant Band Director at Grambling State University, Director of Bands at Dinwiddie High School, and Adjunct Music Instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University and Brightpoint Community College.
Dr. Cunningham earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Performance and Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. A gifted composer/arranger as well as a formidable trumpeter and improviser, Steven has had the opportunity to perform with the Brass Band at Battle Creek, The 8-Bit Big Band, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, Josh Groban, El DeBarge, No BS! Brass Band, The Bobby Jones Gospel Show, Lagniappe Brass Quartet, Jah Works, Maestro J, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Black Masala, The KG Experience, Brass of the Potomac, Joye B. Moore, The Peacherine Ragtime Orchestra, The Flavor Project, and Brunswick. He has performed in high-profile venues such as Carnegie Hall, DAR Constitution Hall, The Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, Toronto Jazz Festival, The Tower Theater, The National Orchestral Institute, Musikfest, International Trumpet Guild Conference, National Trumpet Competition, American Bandmasters Association Convention, and The Richmond Jazz Festival.
As Director of Bands at Dinwiddie High School, Dr. Cunningham was recognized on the Dinwiddie County Public Schools “20 to watch” list, received Superior and Excellent ratings at concert band festivals, while rebuilding the band program during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Assistant Professor of Upper Brasswinds/Assistant Band Director at Grambling State University, Dr. Cunningham maintained a thriving trumpet studio, directed the jazz band, wrote arrangements for the GSU World Famed Tiger Marching Band, and brought new technological advancements to the Department of Music while serving as the Conrad Hutchinson Endowed Professor of Music. His professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha (Honorary Member), National Association for Music Education, Virginia Music Educators Association, and the International Trumpet Guild.
