How to Be a Music Director Panel

FREE & Open to all 6th–12th graders in the Greater Mid-South

Have you ever wondered what a Music Director actually does—or how musicians land those roles on stage, on tour, in church, or in the studio?

Join us for How to Be a Music Director, a free interactive panel designed to introduce young musicians to the world of musical direction and leadership. This workshop will break down the roles, responsibilities, and pathways to becoming a successful Music Director in any musical setting.

What Students Will Learn:

• What a Music Director is and what they do
• Key responsibilities and expectations of a Music Director
• Required skills, qualifications, and preparation
• How to grow as a leader and musician
• Real-world experiences from working professionals

This panel is ideal for student musicians of all instruments and genres who are curious about leadership roles in music.

Paul McKinney
Director of Student Success & Alumni Relations, Stax Music Academy
A longtime Music Director, mentor, and professional musician, Paul McKinney has performed with icons such as B.B. King, Al Green, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. A Stax Music Academy staple, he brings decades of experience in performance, education, and student development.

Christopher “Tank” Franklin
SMA Satellite Band Instrumental Instructor
Grammy-nominated bassist and SMA alumnus, Chris Franklin has performed with artists including Jekalyn Carr, Melvin Crispell III, and Maranda Curtis. He currently leads the Bass Department and Satellite Band program at Stax Music Academy.

Timothy P. Mason
Musician | Composer | Producer | Musical Director
With over 30 years of experience, Timothy Mason has served as Musical Director for major productions, churches, and national artists including Kurt Carr and Jekalyn Carr. His work spans live performance, recording, and large-scale productions across the country.

Marcus Malone
Keyboardist | Producer | Musical Director
Former Musical Director for Grammy-winning artist Stephanie Mills and touring keyboardist for Cameo, Marcus Malone has worked across gospel, R&B, funk, and hip-hop. He is also the founder of the Total Experience School of Music and multiple youth-focused arts programs.

A. Chris Morris
Musician | Composer | Music Director

Chris Morris began his musical journey in church in Memphis, TN, and has since shared his talents around the world—from the U.S. to Rome, Italy. A respected Music Director and composer, he has written music for Grammy Award–winning recordings and worked with artists including O’Landa Draper & The Associates, Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, and Grammy-winning artist Donald Lawrence, for whom he served as Music Director for 15 years.

His work appears on Grammy-nominated and award-winning projects by The Clark Sisters and Donald Lawrence & Company. Chris currently resides in Southaven, MS and serves as Minister of Music in the Memphis area, with a passion for creating music that inspires and transforms lives.

Bates Orr (bio forthcoming)

Moderator: Sam Franklin, Stax Music Academy Music Director

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Host or Publisher Stax Music Academy