Dexter Story, Ph.D.

Dexter Story is a prominent multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, songwriter, producer, and music director based in Los Angeles. He has a diverse background in the music industry, having collaborated with notable artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Kamasi Washington. Story's musical journey began in a music-friendly household, leading him to perform in local bands by the age of 14. He holds an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and has held various roles, including marketing director at major record labels like Priority and Def Jam.12

As the Artivist in Residence / Event Production Consultant at Community Coalition, Story focuses on community engagement through the arts. His work includes producing significant events like Wattstax Revisited and Soy Africano, which highlight cultural history and social issues.1 He is also a co-founder of The Life Force Trio, an experimental production team that emphasizes innovative musical collaborations.1

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Story was part of the 2017-2019 cohort of the APAP USC Leadership Fellow’s Program, which underscores his commitment to leadership within the arts community.1 His latest works include the release of his albums Seasons and Wondem, showcasing his ability to blend various musical influences.1