Craig Parsons

Craig Parsons, a graduate of DePaul University, is a composer and conductor who regularly performs at the finest concert halls throughout the nation. Craig Parsons has also established a reputation for being one of the country's most successful corporate workshop leaders and consultants.

Equally at home in the world of comedy or classical music, Mr. Parsons combines the spontaneity of humor with the discipline of music to offer attendees at his seminars and workshops fresh approaches to personal growth and goal-directed team building.

Mr. Parsons pursued his training in comedy through workshops at Second City Theater. He then served as a writer and performer with "Wavelength;" a nationally known comedy group which entertained audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada. During that period, he also workshopped with Dan Castelenatta (“Homer Simpson”) of the hit TV series, "The Simpsons."

Mr. Parsons is also an experienced host for corporate events, having interviewed numerous luminaries from the nation's top CEOs, to politicians such as Newt Gingrich and James Carville, and musicians like Lou Rawls and Loretta Lynn.

He has conducted members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in some of the country's premiere recording studios. He has shared the stage with Charles Kuralt in a performance leading the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in a concert of his original compositions, arrangements and unique comedy performing.

Maestro Parsons has also conducted the symphony orchestras of Milwaukee , Orlando, Boston, Salt Lake City and New Orleans. Additionally, as a musical director/producer he has recorded and performed with a variety of star performers, such as Danny Thomas, George Burns, Broadway star Melba Moore and Grammy award-winning recording artist, Angela Bofill.

A much sought after presenter in corporate communications, leadership and character development, Mr. Parsons travels nationwide giving executive training seminars and keynote addresses. His unique combination of musical and comedy experience makes him a popular choice for bringing new insights to both personal development and team building. While sharing leadership and life lessons from the world of the classical orchestra conductor, Mr. Parsons' musical timing and fast wit add excitement and interest to executive retreats and workshops.

Mr. Parsons is the composer of many choral works, including the best selling, sacred work, "Blessed Are the Children of God" published by the prestigious Hinshaw Publishing. He has recently launched Parsons Studio Press; a publishing company for his choral and orchestral works. Also as a composer, Mr. Parsons commanded rave notices for his original music in the Chicago production of Edward Bond's play, "THE SEA".