Steven Cunningham, raised in Dinwiddie, Virginia, is an Assistant Professor of Music Education and Trumpet at Hampton University and the Director of the Peninsula Youth Jazz Band. Before his appointment at Hampton University, Dr. Cunningham served on the faculty at Grambling State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Brightpoint Community College, and Dinwiddie High School.

Dr. Cunningham earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Performance and Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University. Steven has had the opportunity to perform with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, The 8-Bit Big Band, Camille Thurman, No BS! Brass Band, God's Horns, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, National Orchestral Institute, Josh Groban, El DeBarge, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, and many others.� He has performed in high-profile venues such as Carnegie Hall, DAR Constitution Hall, The Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, Toronto Jazz Festival, The Tower Theater, Musikfest, International Trumpet Guild Conference, National Trumpet Competition, American Bandmasters Association Convention, and The Richmond Jazz Festival.

As Director of Bands at Dinwiddie High School, Dr. Cunningham was recognized on the Dinwiddie County Public Schools “20 to watch” list and received Superior and Excellent ratings at concert band festivals. As Assistant Professor of Upper Brasswinds and Assistant Band Director at Grambling State University, Dr. Cunningham maintained a thriving trumpet studio, directed the jazz band, wrote arrangements for the GSU World Famed Tiger Marching Band, and brought new technological advancements to the Department of Music while serving as the Conrad Hutchinson Endowed Professor of Music. His professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha (Honorary Member), National Association for Music Education, Virginia Music Educators Association, and the International Trumpet Guild.

Dr. Steven Cunningham performs exclusively on Yamaha trumpets.