Christopher ROCHESTER
ABOUT
I’m Dr. Christopher Rochester—musician, educator, composer, and changemaker. My work sits at the intersection of artistry, education, and social impact. Over the years, I’ve built a career not only performing and composing across genres, but also creating experiences that transform how people understand music and themselves.
I’m the first African American to earn a PhD in Music Composition from the University of Minnesota, a recognition that underscores both my commitment to excellence and my drive to open doors for others. My career has taken me from classrooms to international stages, where I’ve led ensembles, designed programs, and spoken about music’s role in shaping culture, equity, and belonging.
At my core, I believe music is more than performance—it’s one of the most authentic expressions of human connection. I’ve dedicated my life to using it as a tool for joy, healing, and change.
Why I Do This Work
I’ve seen, firsthand, how music can save lives. In the right setting, it creates safe places for people to grow, to feel seen, and to find belonging. I’ve also seen the opposite—when music education is done without care or relevance, it can cause harm. It can exclude, diminish, or silence the very voices that most need to be heard.
That’s why this work matters. Music isn’t just about skill or performance—it’s about building support systems people can rely on. When we get it right, students find not only their sound, but their voice. When we ignore it or settle for inaction, those who need it most are left without the spaces that could have helped them heal, learn, and thrive.