Hello, my name is Stephen Layton, I'm 36 and I am a professional musician, educator, and composer. I am currently teaching in two locations, Riverside County, and in Orange County. I earned a B.A. in Music Education at California State University Fullerton. I also have a Single Subject Teaching Credential from the State of California, through the completion of the credential program at California State University Fullerton. During my time at Fullerton I was a member of all the top ensembles. I also studied with Grammy nominated and award-winning musicians like Bill Cunliffe, Francisco Torres, Kye Palmer, and more! In addition to my training I have over twenty years of performance experience. I have been playing trombone and bass guitar since 1994 and I have been teaching privately since 2005. As a brass instructor I specialize in breathing techniques, embouchure development. range, flexibility, endurance, and improvisation. As a bass guitar and guitar instructor, I specialize in flexibility, endurance, speed, song writing, ear training, improvisation, and much more! I’ve been a professional musician for several years and I have backed groups like The L.A. Swing Barons, The Inland Empire Swing Orchestra, Sonora Santanera groups, Willie and The Road Tramps, Irie Nationz, The Goodlow Company, Domestic Imports, Buddha Bomb, Angry Babies, Space Camp Stowaways, The Debonaires, and more! I am currently in a few different groups playing all over Southern California and beyond. My education philosophy is very student focused. I draw from a lot of different teaching concepts like Kodàly method, Orff method, Susuki method, and more. I will push you or your student to edges of their abilities, and you will see improvement. Training: • Riverside City College; A.A. Humanities Philosophy, and Art; Cert. Music Performance • California State University Fullerton; B.A Music Education • California State University Fullerton; Credential Program (student teaching) Performance Experience: • Junior College Ensemble Performances: Riverside Community College Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Lab Jazz, and Small Jazz Combos • Four Year College Ensemble Performances: California State University Fullerton Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony, Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, Fullerton Big Band, Latin Ensemble • Recent Recitals: April 5, 2018 Senior Recital, Recital Hall, California State University Fullerton • Commercial Performances: L.A. Swing Barons, Sonora Santenera, Irie Nationz, The Goodlow Company, Buddha Bomb, Domestic Imports, Topshelf Brass Band, Space Camp Stowaways, Angry Babies, Dumb Luck, The Debonaires, Mark Denny’s Band Principal Teachers: • Trombone: Steve Williams, Steve Suminski, Bob Sanders • Jazz Improv: Dr. Peter Curtis, Charlie Richards, Dr. Chuck Tomlinson, Bill Cunliffe, Francisco Torres • Masterclasses: Kevin Mayse, Charlie Richards, Dr. Mitch Fennel, Dr. Mallory Thompson, Frank Ticheli, Bill Cunliffe, Anthony Plog, Louis Bonillia, Francisco Torres, Michito Sanchez, Roger Woods, Ashley Bathgate, Dieter Mack, Paul Kreibich, Joey Sellers, Benny Maupin, Kim Richmond, Freddy Payne, Anne Fennel, Doc Severinsen, Shannon Limon, Kye Palmer, Harry Waters, Ken Waters Volunteer Experience: • Riverside Community Band / Swing Band • Carl E. Gilbert Elementary School, Buena Park, California Additional Information: • Private Instruction: Teaching privately for over ten years • Memberships: SCSBOA, NAfME, NBA, OAKE, KASC, ITA, and NAMM member
Teaches Beginner
Teaching since 2005
Single Subject Teaching Credential for the State of California
Teaches ages 10+
Speaks Spanish
Has background check
Subject: Piano
Stephen has really been really helping me advance my musicianship in a lot of ways that I wouldn't have gotten from self-study alone. He is generous with his time and attention and really wants to help me move forward.
The best lesson I have taken! I look forward to future lessons because I am learning so much!
Steven is a very good instructor. He has a wonderful personality. He!s firm, knowledgeable, and knows how to encourage the student to work hard. My son has learned a lot from him in a short period of time as a beginner. I’d definitely recommend Steven.