Learn About Our Instructors

R.J. Stevens

(1927-2012)

Founder

R.J. was born and raised in Texas. His father, M. Roy Stevens, was a preacher and a singing school teacher and gave him a good foundation in music and singing. From 1945 to 1951, R.J. studied music at Abilene Christian College, the University of Houston, and Oklahoma A & M College. He served as a local evangelist for thirty-six years with churches of Christ in Texas, Oklahoma, and California. In 1983, he moved to Kemp, Texas to do full-time gospel meeting and singing school work. He taught singing schools for over fifty years.

In 1987, he helped compile and edit the “Hymns for Worship” hymnal. He published the “Sight Singing and Song Directing” workbook which is used in singing school workshops. R. J. wrote and arranged hundreds of songs and hymns and this continues as one of his greatest legacies. He was a member of the Favorite Hymns Quartet for thirty years. He is also the founder of the Oklahoma Singing School. Since its beginning in 1984, R.J. guided and instructed hundreds of men, young and old, to become effective song worship leaders. His legacy continues to be active in song worship materials.

Tim Stevens

Co-Director & Sight Singing Instructor

Tim was born and raised in Texas. He was involved in music from an early age both in public schools and with R. J. Stevens, his father. In addition, he studied music at Florida College and San Bernardino Valley College. After graduating from Florida College in 1972, Tim completed a three-year apprenticeship with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Co. in San Bernardino, California, and continued working for the railroad until 1989. From 1990 to 1997, he was the evangelist for the Rio Grande Valley church of Christ in Belen, New Mexico. He has been preaching in Kemp, Texas since 1997, where he also serves as an elder.

In addition to local preaching and conducting gospel meetings, Tim holds singing schools in congregations around the country. Since 1989, he has served as an instructor of the Singing School. He and his father co-authored the “Rudiments of Sight Singing and Song Directing” workbook. Also, Tim was a member of the Favorite Hymns Quartet for thirty years and helped produce fifteen recordings. He continues to be involved with the editing, publishing and distribution of products for song leader training and congregational song worship.

E-mail Tim Stevens

John Kilgore

Co-Director & Song Worship Leading Instructor

John hails from Texas where he has preached since 1974. He works with the Alston Rd. church in the Houston area. Also, he has helped encourage and guide young people since 1976 as director of the successful Florida College Dry Creek Camp in Louisiana. John has been a member of the Houston Symphony Chorus and has studied both the speaking and singing voice. Along with holding gospel meetings, he conducts singing schools with churches nationwide. He has also been a businessman and accountant.

John has been with the Singing School since its inception in 1984 and currently serves as an instructor. He enjoys teaching vocal instruction, upper level song leading, and song worship preparation.

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Dane Shepard

Co-Director & Song Worship Leading Instructor

Dane is a native Californian. Growing up he was involved in piano studies and with choral and other singing groups. In 1974, he received a degree in music from San Diego State University along with a secondary teaching credential and taught music in public schools for thirty-two years. In 1980, he graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a graduate degree in choral conducting. His studies included an analysis of hymnals used by the churches of Christ. Later he worked with R. J. Stevens in the compiling, editing and publishing of “Hymns for Worship.” Dane continues to write and arrange hymns. He also worked with the Favorite Hymns Quartet as a member, director, and arranger. He and his wife, Cindy, now reside in Blanchard, Oklahoma and they attend the Tri-City church of Christ in Newcastle, OK where Dane serves as an elder and preacher.

In 1984, along with R. J. and John Kilgore, Dane was one of the charter faculty members of the Singing School and has continued to enjoy the privilege of working with John, Tim Stevens, and other dedicated teachers in this endeavor. In addition, Dane holds meetings in song worship and congregational singing with churches throughout the nation. He continues to be involved in the editing, compiling, and publishing of products for song worship and congregational singing.

E-mail Dane Shepard