Phil Johnson
Music Director
Phil Johnson began proper music studies by learning that a cello is a large and heavy instrument for an eight year old boy. Nevertheless, he continued his practice, and at age 11 added piano and organ to the mix. He performed in his first Bach recital a year later, fostering a love for all types of music. In college, while majoring in voice and piano, he began to develop a love for conducting and composing, writing for strings, choral groups and wind ensembles.
An interest and calling in Christian music and theology led him to directorships throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. He loves to tell stories and communicate encouraging themes! While working for a Christian-based organization in London, he created the Forest Gospel Arts Society, a charitable organization that brought contemporary Christian music to the area through a 60-voice choir and 55-piece orchestra. He has added wind ensembles to the mix, serving as Artistic Director for the Minnesota Freedom Band for four years. He has also taught for the London Borough of Waltham Forest, was a music theory teaching assistant at North Central University and currently holds graduate assistantships in conducting and piano pedagogy at San Francisco State University. By day he works for a medium sized law firm in Oakland and by night is currently studying toward a master of music in conducting from SFSU. In addition to bachelor of arts degrees in theology, music, and education, he holds a Master of Divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary (MN), an International MBA and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of St. Thomas (MN) and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Taxation & Estate Planning from Golden Gate University. He is thankful for the kind and welcoming presence of St. Andrew Presbyterian and looks forward to working for all involved with the church.