Grammy-nominated Camden native announced as new CCP Artist in Residence

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Community College of Philadelphia ’s Artist in Residence program is aimed at connecting students with the city’s music community. For the 2024-25 cycle, CCP students will have access to a Grammy Award-nominated songwriter.

Christopher Michael Stevens has performed with big names like the Roots, John Legend, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Tye Tribbett — and was nominated for a Best Gospel Song Grammy as co-writer of Tribbett’s song “Get Up.” He’s also founded two bands of his own, composed scores for films and has even acted, with roles in the Oscar-nominated movie “La La Land” and Amazon’s “A League of Their Own” TV series.

Now, the Camden native shares his experiences in the industry with CCP students.

“I’m just happy to be here and to be doing something meaningful that will affect generations to come,” said Stevens, whose launch concert will be on Oct. 8, on the school’s main campus.

CCP’s music department head Paul Geissinger says the program is about creating a music industry hub for Philly where students, community and professional artists can learn together. The artist in residence’s role is to help bring all those elements together.

“He’s a talented musician, a producer, a songwriter. His skill set is the kind of information that our students need to be successful,” said Geissinger.

Stevens will be working in the studio with CCP music students, as well as with professional musicians. The department head says there will be a lot on his plate. “We’re going to be working with some of the ensembles,” Geissinger told KYW Newsradio. “He might jump into working with the jazz ensemble [or] the hip hop ensemble.”

Stevens says he’s looking forward to the challenge. “It gives me the freedom to discover some things about my artistry,” he said, “so I’m looking forward to that exploration.”