ABOUT ROD VESTER, Ph.D.

Named one of Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals of the Year, Dr. Rod Vester is a multifaceted educator, researcher, pianist, composer, conductor, and producer with deep roots in gospel, jazz, classical, and contemporary music. He has performed with a range of artists across genres, including Grammy Award winners CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, and the late Aretha Franklin. His compositions have been published in the Total Praise Hymnal, by GIA Publications, and Lifeway.

As an arts consultant, Dr. Vester has helped expand artistic and educational programming for a range of organizations. He remains an active performer, clinician, and speaker, having presented at Chamber Music America, Sphinx, and national and state music education conferences. His work centers on creating inclusive environments where students feel valued, voiced, and visible.

Rod has mentored young professionals across higher education, non-profits, and faith-based institutions, guiding them toward their potential with a strong foundation in strategy and leadership. He has led the development of business operations, strategic plans, policies, marketing campaigns, new products and curricula, and has helped scale organizations through global partnerships and innovative programming.

Dr. Vester was the founding director of the Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Musicianship and Entrepreneur Development (CMED) at Shenandoah Conservatory. The first program of its kind, CMED combines musicianship, entrepreneurship, business, and technology, preparing students to succeed in today’s evolving music industry.

Rod holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, master’s degrees in Counseling and Musicology, and a Ph.D. in Music Education.