Poetry with Steve A.

I was introduced to the arts at a very early age. My mother gave me my father's harmonica around the age of four-years old. At that same age, I began drawing pictures by crayon, and then switched to ink pen. Drawing was my art until by the age of twelve I became interested in percussion from watching classmates practice their sticking technique on the cafeteria tables during their lunch period. The next year I enrolled into beginning band and quickly increased my talents to catch-up with my classmates by the next year. I furthered my studies in music at Emporia State University in Emporia, KS. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998, and a Master of Music degree in 2001. While in college, I performed with the Kansas Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble and a Latin-rock band that toured throughout the eastern and southern area of Kansas and northern area of Oklahoma. In 2002, I moved to San Diego, California to experience more worldly styles of music. I began teaching in numerous studios, community centers, and playing in various bands. Today, I am playing as a session musician in Brazilian and Trinidadian ensembles. *** Lesson Details *** When taking a lesson from me, you can expect a teacher who has a flexible style of instruction. I don't have a one-way teaching approach. I've learned that everyone has their own way of learning. I adapt to my student's learning abilities. I normally start a student with the proper technique for playing an instrument, and then show them other approaches for various styles of music. I can teach the basics of playing, but I enjoy challenging my students to enhance their skills. I use fun as equilibrium to balance my classes. Too much of anything can become boring or excessive. After 3 or 6 months, you can expect to have learned enough music to play in front of your friends or family. Depending on your taste and goals, you may be able to read music or you may be able to play it by ear. I normally teach ear-training as a part of my lessons. I look forward to helping you reach your goal. *** Travel Equipment *** Students should have their own instruments and equipment. I only bring the necessities for me to play musical examples, which are my instruments, amplifier or iPod/laptop. *** Specialties *** The styles that I specialize in are rock, R&B, blues, funk, jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms. I have a strong background in World Music, i.e. ethnic scales (gypsy, African, Indian) and rhythms (specifically Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean). I use the Classical style as a way of learning proper technique and basic music fundamentals.