David Stern holds a Ph.D. in music theory from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York and has taught music theory at various colleges. He specializes in composing in aneo-tonal style that synthesizes aspects of traditional melody, harmony and form with more contemporary elements that readily touches audiences. He composes music in classical, new age and folk genres.

Dr. Stern has had orchestral compositions performed around the United States. His work for narrator and orchestra, Lincoln Speaks of Liberty uses inspired texts by Lincoln and was premiered November 2018 by The Muscatine Symphony Orchestra conducted by Brian Dollinger. World-class Lincoln reenactor Fritz Klein performed the role of Lincoln. Dr. Stern’s spiritually themed tone poem for chamber orchestra The Golden Thread (2017) won the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra composition contest. His tone poem, The San Gabriel Mountains won their next composition contest (2022, premiered 2023). His inspirational tone poem We Stand for Freedom: In Memoriam, September 11th, 2001 has received several performances around the U.S. Stern has written various works on commission, including a choral setting of a Walt Whitman poem, A Silent Midnight, for The Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble (New York City, 2016), Wisdom of Leonardo (for the same choir), 2023, and The Lafayette Suite for large wind ensemble written for The Lafayette Citizens Band in Indiana (2015). Further works include attractive concertos for violin, soprano saxophone, clarinet and cello.

Stern has done music preparation work for major clients in the Los Angeles music world, including The Los Angeles Philharmonic and arrangers for major TV shows including “The X Factor” and “America’s Got Talent.” In the new age music world, Stern’s music has received praise from pioneer composer Iasos and Grammy winning cellist David Darling, and his arranging was praised by new age music reviewer BT Fasmer. His music has been used over the years for spiritual media and classes. More