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Stephen L.
Teaches Online
I teach beginning basics, that will get you playing easy songs today!
About Stephen L.

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

Instructor details
Subject: Piano
Bass Guitar
Bass Trombone
Flute
Guitar
Piano
Trombone
Teaches 6 subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
This teacher is not currently accepting students
Photos & videos12 photos & videos
ReviewsWrite a review
5.0
6 Reviews
5Review Star
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Online

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.

Posted Apr 2, 2021
Teacher's Studio

The best lesson I have taken! I look forward to future lessons because I am learning so much!

Posted Aug 11, 2018
Student's home

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.

Posted Nov 12, 2017
Trombone
Dec 2016 - Jan 2019
Irie Nationz Internation
Trombone
Oct 2016 - Jul 2018
La Swing Barons
Trombone
Aug 2013 - Feb 2015
The Goodlow Company
Single Subject Teaching Credential for the State of California
Aug 2018 - May 2019
California State University Fullerton
Music Education
Aug 2015 - May 2018
California State University Fullerton
AA in Fine Arts, AA Humanities Philosophy and Art
Aug 2013 - Jun 2015
Riverside Community College
Spanish
Limited Proficiency
Music Performace
Jun 2015
Riverside Community College
Outstanding musicianship
Apr 2016
Reno Jazz Festival
Most Improved Performer
Jun 2014
Riverside Community College
International Trombone Association
Feb 2019
The general purposes of the International Trombone Association shall be: To promote communications among trombonists around the world, to improve the artistic level of performance, teaching, and literature associated with the trombone family and to function as a clearing house for trombone-related ideas and information
California Music Education Association
Aug 2017
CMEA is an affiliate of the National Association for Music Education. NAfME, one of the the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education
National Band Association
Aug 2017
The National Band Association, founded on September 11, 1960, is the largest professional organization for bands in the world. It was organized for the purpose of promoting the musical and educational significance of bands and is dedicated to the attainment of a high level of excellence for bands and band music. NBA is an organization open to anyone and everyone interested in bands, regardless of the length of experience, type of position held, or the specific level at which one works. The membership roster includes men and women from every facet of the band world. NBA is today’s professional organization for band directors, and it stands ready to serve all members of the association through a variety of projects and initiatives.
National Association for Music Education
Aug 2017
National Association for Music Education (NAfME), among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers.
National Association of Music Merchants
Jan 2015
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that promotes the pleasures and benefits of making music and strengthens the $17 billion global music products industry. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages.

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Instructor details
Subject: Piano
Bass Guitar
Bass Trombone
Flute
Guitar
Piano
Trombone
Teaches 6 subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
This teacher is not currently accepting students