Steven

Steven is a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in teaching composition, jazz, improvisation, and popular/contemporary styles. His adaptive teaching approach draws from a wide array of performance experience. He recently completed a year tour through Japan, Canada and the United States with the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. He has performed with the Calgary, Detroit, Buffalo and Duluth Symphony Orchestras, conducted the band for Minneapolis-based vocal group 5-by-Design on several tours, played on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, and in production shows at Dorney Amusement Park in Allenton, PA. As a free-lance musician he has played piano, accordion, and woodwinds with jazz groups, rock bands, reggae bands, and for churches.

His teaching accolades include directing a 17-piece university jazz ensemble, serving as judge and clinician for many high school bands, and maintaining a private piano studio for all ages since 2002. As a teacher in Ecuador he acquired experience teaching in Spanish as well. Steven holds a Bachelor of Music Liberal Arts and minor in Piano Pedagogy from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Creative approaches are always sought out to spark each student’s imagination whether child or adult. Students are strongly encouraged to give public performances via recitals, family concerts, nursing homes, etc., and Steven stresses fluency in both written music and playing by ear. He is passionate about extracting the unique talent and character of each individual and promoting joy & beauty in music making above all else.