Millicent Stephenson

Millicent Stephenson, a multi-award-winning saxophonist, podcaster, and educator, shares a lifelong musical journey deeply connected to her Jamaican heritage and faith in Birmingham.

Born to Jamaican immigrants in the early 1960s, her earliest musical memory was touching a piano in her Lozells home, leading to initial lessons. A “magnificent” experience in the school choir, performing at Birmingham Town Hall, exposed her to orchestras and conductors for the first time.

In secondary school, despite struggling with piano, she learned the clarinet and joined Holt School’s steel band, reportedly the first in the West Midlands. The steel band toured Germany and the UK and appeared on BBC’s Pebble Mill. A pivotal moment for her faith occurred at a steel band event, leading her to a New Testament church where she “loved the music” and “excitement,” initiating her serious commitment to Christianity. She went on to achieve Grade 5 in theory, saxophone, and piano.

Millicent’s journey to the saxophone was providential. Initially denied the chance to learn it in school, she later received one from Reverend John Gray. Despite initial “horrible sounds,” she felt a “deep connection,” practicing tirelessly in her garage. She eventually took lessons from Andy Hamilton, who invited her to join his jazz band.

This invitation presented a profound “dilemma” due to her church’s strict rules. After months of seeking counsel, she chose faith over the jazz band, a decision she now regrets for limiting her musical advancement but believes was necessary for her spiritual conviction. She later made her first TV appearance on Andy Hamilton’s documentary, “Silver Shine.”

Millicent candidly discusses challenges within the church, including exclusion and unsupportive feedback from leaders. Despite these “knocks,” she believes they strengthened her character and determination, leading her to win a youth teen talent competition on the sax and secure bookings. After a period where her music career stalled, she returned to Birmingham, revitalized her passion, and competitively improved her skills.

She emphasizes that her music is a “calling,” where God repeatedly nudged her to take her music “outside the four walls of the church.” This broader ministry was released through a powerful prayer meeting, leading to her current achievements. Millicent champions personal initiative and self-belief, running her podcast “Success Beyond the Score” to teach professionalism and quality to aspiring artists.