A native of New York City, John Stone studied composition with Max Lifchitz during his years at Vassar College where he graduated in 1992 with honors in philosophy and English literature. While at Vassar, he was commissioned to compose a score for a ballet exposition at the Bardavon Opera House, and later continued his collaboration with choreographers including Brian Brooks, Kun-Yang Lin, Elizabeth Higgins and Rachel Cohen. He is Artistic Co-Founder and Music Director of the modern dance group Ariane Anthony & Company. Jennifer Dunning writes "As always, the music composed by John Stone, [Ms. Anthony's] invaluable collaborator, provided just the right blend of evocative melody and nutty dissonances" (The New York Times, 2002).

Since 2004, Mr. Stone has been Composer and Music Director for the The Paper Bag Players with whom he performs over 100 yearly shows throughout the North East. Stone's chamber music has toured nationally and internationally, with recent works performed by the renowned viol consort Parthenia. The Queen's Chamber Band commissioned Stone for a new trio for their May, 2007 concert at Merkin Hall. His music for theater and film includes the scores for Vanessa Redgrave's production of Antony and Cleopatra in 1994 and short films by Jennifer Reeves, Alister Sanderson, Elizabeth Higgins and Nate Atchenson. Commercial work includes the Telsys Network and Asahi Shimbun (television ad).

Mr. Stone has received grants from Meet the Composer as well as the prestigious W.K. Rose Fellowship of Vassar College to complete a book on J.S. Bach's last fugue. Philosophy Prof. Mitch Miller of Vassar calls Stone's compositions in early styles "...heartbreakingly exhilarating music of utterly arresting beauty." John is also a writer and long-distance unicyclist.