Stephen Tanner

Stephen Tanner is a freelance music educator, choral director, organist, composer, arranger and examiner, based in Exeter.

Stephen began his musical career as a chorister at Coventry Cathedral and studied for a degree in Music at the University of Huddersfield. For many years he was Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral School, and Assistant Organist and Director of the Girl Choristers at Exeter Cathedral. His school music department enjoyed a wide reputation for music-making, with many pupils going on to national and international success.

He founded the Girl Choristers’ section of Exeter Cathedral Choir in 1994 and directed it for 22 years, undertaking numerous broadcasts, recordings and foreign tours. He was also musical director of Exeter Cathedral’s Chorister Outreach Project, promoting singing in Devon’s primary schools.

Stephen directs Isca Voices, a group of former girl choristers from Exeter Cathedral Choir who perform a wide range of sacred and secular music. He is also one-half of the organ duo Organ2.

He has composed and arranged extensively and won two national composition competitions. He is an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, serving on both the main and jazz panels.