Ask Craig Stephan what inspires his devoted service to Young Texas Artists, and he points to his cousin, Susie Moore Pokorski, the nonprofit’s president and CEO.
But their family ties only tell part of the story.
“Have you tried saying no to Susie?” the long-time volunteer joked. “She’s a force of nature.”
But really, Stephan continued, his commitment to YTA goes beyond that. He believes in the work YTA does to support rising classical musicians and the arts in Texas. So he serves as master of ceremonies at YTA’s fundraising galas and kickoff parties. He accompanies guest musicians on piano and shares the benefit of his years in advertising and public relations. Whenever he’s asked, he finds a way to help.
Critical Missions
YTA plays an invaluable role in nurturing emerging classical talent, said Stephan, the traditional music director of First Methodist Conroe.
“You don’t just walk out the door with your music degree in your hand and say, ‘Well, here I am. Start hiring me.’ It doesn’t work that way. Everything — the persistence, tenacity, talent, people skills, business skills, not to mention sometimes just pure good luck — that it takes to become a working solo artist is unbelievable.”
Not only are emerging musicians on a challenging road, they’re also on an expensive one, Stephan said.
“They spent all this time in school, and they’ve had all these lessons. Well, the lessons don’t quit, especially if you’re a vocalist. How do you pay for that?”
Then there are the costs of traveling to auditions, marketing efforts, and professional attire for auditions and concerts.
That’s why Stephan plans to keep doing everything he can to support YTA and the musicians it uplifts.
First Love
Stephan’s devotion to YTA also reflects a lifelong love of music. As a preschooler, he sat with his mother at First Baptist Conroe services and stared at the church organ, fascinated. By age 4 or 5, he was taking piano lessons, and by junior high he was already filling in as a church organist. At Conroe High School, he sang in the choir and accompanied fellow students on piano.
He went on to earn a music education degree and teaching certificate from Baylor University.
A Winding Career Path
After graduation, Stephan’s journey to his current role at First Methodist Conroe saw several significant detours.
He taught briefly for Conroe ISD while serving as a church accompanist and then freelanced as a pianist for weddings and private parties. From there, a visit with friends in New York City opened the door to a new opportunity: building a career in advertising and public relations. His PR years offered memorable moments: presenting brownies to the hosts of “The Today Show,” shadowing the prime minister of The Bahamas on an official visit, and fielding occasional phone calls from Warren Buffett without realizing who he was. For much of that time, Stephan also served a local church as an organist, music minister, and substitute pastor.
Later, a career twist took him into cosmetics sales, which had him traveling throughout the Southeast to sell products to salons, dermatologists, and spas. But when his mother suffered a stroke in 2007, Stephan returned to Texas to care for her — and to re-center his life around music.
New Chapter in Texas
Back home, Stephan worked as an accompanist at Sam Houston State University and Houston Baptist University before Ann Lee, one of his former Conroe High School music teachers, hired him to work for her at First Methodist Conroe (then First United Methodist Church – Conroe). Lee was the church’s music director and the longtime director of Montgomery County Chorale Society. Before long, she asked Stephan to serve as the chorale society’s accompanist and associate conductor.
After Lee’s death in 2017, Stephan began his current role at First Methodist Conroe and served briefly as the chorale society’s interim director. He remains active with the performing group today as its assistant artistic director and accompanist.
At First Methodist Conroe, Stephan relishes playing the organ on Sunday mornings, as well as designing worship each week — choosing hymns, scripture, and writing the call to worship. “I really, really love doing that,” he said. “I love the creativity in it.”
He values the chance to accompany and support other musicians, too. At YTA competitions, he cheers as much for the accompanists as the finalists. “They make it look easy, and it’s not always easy.”
Stephan said he also treasures his connection with YTA and the chance to help young artists. His advice to them is straightforward: Build as many industry connections as possible, perform every chance you get, and learn how to practice effectively.
“When you practice, don’t just play something over and over. Take it apart and put it back together, so you know exactly how to keep going if something goes wrong.”
As long as YTA continues helping musicians find their footing, Stephan is determined to be part of the journey.