About
A renowned jazz and classical pianist, organist, and composer, Misha Stefanuk has been a dynamic presence in the music industry since 1986. His contributions span over a hundred TV credits, including Good Morning America and One Life to Live. His versatility and ability to perform a wide range of music styles have made him a sought-after pianist and organist in Atlanta, leading to his roles at Glenn Memorial UMC and WCUMC.
As an acclaimed author, Misha's written over 25 music books, five of which have become bestsellers. His book '100 Easy Piano Classics' topped sheetmusicplus.com, while 'Jazz Piano Chords' remained a best-seller for Mel Bay Publications for 12 years. His compositions have found their way into high-profile TV shows and even an on-screen organist role in NBC's Constantine.
Educated at Boston University and Moscow Conservatory, Misha is a decorated musician, voting member of the Grammy’s with awards like the Stereotypes and Nations Composition Competition in Poland. His prolific career encompasses successful performances, influential compositions, and significant contributions to music literature.
Awards
Misha Stefanuk is a highly regarded musician known for his outstanding achievements in the music industry. His work "100 Easy Piano Classics" earned the top spot on SheetMusicPlus in 2017, similar to his "Christmas Easy Piano" collection which was the number one piano download in 2016. His skills were further recognized when he was named a finalist in an Easy Piano competition and won the 2016 arranging contest for the arrangement of "Mission Impossible" theme.
Stefanuk's Jazz Piano works with Mel Bay Publications were bestsellers from 2002 to 2018, showcasing his longevity in the industry. His musical talents were also acknowledged on a global scale with an Artist of the Year Absolute Winner, IYMC International Competition, 2022, and he was named the Outstanding Pianist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in 1997.
In addition to his professional success, Stefanuk had significant academic accomplishments. At Belmont University, he won the Concerto Aria Composition Competition and made the Dean’s List in 1993 and 1994. He also studied at the Russian Academy of Music, graduated from Moscow Conservatory School and won a special prize in a composition competition in Krakow, Poland in 1992.
Performance
Misha Stefanuk has had a multifaceted musical career. Currently, he serves as the accompanist at Glen Memorial UMC, Decatur, GA and as the music director at Winters Chapel UMC, Atlanta, GA. Stefanuk also lends his talents as a staff organist at Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta, GA and as an accompanist for renowned artists such as Magdalena Wor.
In addition to these roles, Stefanuk has undertaken a variety of freelance projects. These include performing as an accompanist for artists like Laquita Mitchel and Tim Miller, as well as at the Atlanta Music Festival. He has played at several private events at high-end venues such as the Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. He also served as an organist for two churches in New Jersey from 1999-2001.
Stefanuk's academic engagements include being a staff accompanist at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University. He was also an organist at St. Augustine Episcopal Church, Nashville, TN and a pianist at both Washington State University and Belmont University School of Music. Additionally, Stefanuk led a modern jazz trio, MooseKnows, and was a pianist for Patephone in Moscow, Russia.
Publications
Misha Stefanuk is an esteemed musician and composer with an extensive publication portfolio. His work includes over 100 titles with Sheetmusicplus, two being best-sellers. He also collaborated with Mel Bay Publications, creating impactful works like "Jazz Piano Chords," "Jazz Piano Scales," and more, with three reaching best-seller status.
Additionally, Stefanuk's work is recognized by various platforms. He authored "Piano for Adults - European Method" for First Books Library, contributed to the American Theatre Organ Society Magazine, and wrote a monthly column in Creative Keyboard. Lulu Publications also published his works, including "Music for Organ, Volume 1," and "Jazz Piano Lessons."
Stefanuk's influence extends to interviews and articles in diverse publications and media. He has been featured in "Russian Music Newspaper," "The Tennessean," "Belmont Vision," "Moscow-Pullman News," Vanderbilt Radio, Nashville Channel 5, and ClusterTV, Atlanta highlighting his contributions to music, especially in piano and jazz.
Education
Misha Stefanuk's early education began in Moscow, Russia, where he studied at Moscow Children’s Music School and Special German School. His music-focused studies continued at Moscow College of Improvised Music and Moscow Conservatory School, earning a BM in Improvisation and Musicology, respectively. He also spent time studying Nuclear Physics at Moscow Engineering Physics Institute.
In the United States, Stefanuk earned a Bachelor of Music from Belmont University in Nashville, TN in 1995. That same year, he attended the Skidmore Jazz Institute's summer school in Saratoga Springs, NY, and later undertook Graduate Studies in Composition at Washington State University.
Stefanuk concluded his educational journey with a Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University in 2007. His education was enriched by masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Kirill Volkov, John Stowell, Chick Corea and Tony Fenelon, contributing significantly to his music career.