Stinson, JCCC associate professor of instrumental music, received his bachelor of music education degree from Wichita State University. After a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force as solo cornet and lead trumpet of the former NORAD (North American Air Defense Command) Band, Stinson attended Yale University where he received a master of music degree. As a free-lance performer in New York City for 18 years, he performed in numerous Broadway shows such as Whoopee, Sweeney Todd, The Pirates of Penzance, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Stinson has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. In addition, Stinson has made many recordings for television and radio.