Jim Stopher maintains an active career as a conductor, pianist, composer, and educator. Praised for his “brilliant” conducting and “energetic and precise” piano playing, he is based in Marin County, CA, and is a dedicated contributor to its musical culture.

Stopher has served as Music Director of the College of Marin Symphony Orchestra for seven seasons, and previously served in the same role with the Joliet (IL) Symphony Orchestra. As a pianist, he performs regularly as recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist; recent concerto engagements have been with the Mill Valley Philharmonic, the Lucas Valley Chamber Orchestra, and the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra. His compositions have been performed by the Sebastian Chamber Orchestra, the Navitas String Quartet, and the Golden Gate Brass Band. In 2018, he released an album of original piano music called Tonal Recall.

Stopher studied music theory and composition at Harvard University, orchestral and opera conducting at the University of Arizona, and conducting at the Peabody Conservatory, where he earned his doctorate under Gustav Meier and Markand Thakar. He is chairperson of the music department at the College of Marin, where he teaches courses in theory, repertoire, history, and musicianship.