Steven grew up in San Clemente, California. He had a varied musical upbringing, starting piano lessons from a young age, and playing in wind ensembles and orchestras on clarinet throughout his childhood, he also began singing in high school. He discovered jazz in his middle school jazz band and it has been his main passion since. He started his first gigging band in high school, performing at local events.
He is an alumnus of California Institute of the Arts, where he studied with David Roitstein. Other faculty members he had the privilege of playing with and receiving instruction from on a regular basis include Joe LaBarbera, Larry Koonse, Charlie Haden, and Vinny Golia. As a jazz pianist, Steven has performed at venues through Los Angeles, including Vibrato, Catalina, Vitello's, Steamers, the Hip Kitty, the Jazz Bakery of Culver City, and many more. While a student at CSULB, he performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He was also featured as part of a quintet on KKJZ (88.1 FM) as part of their young artist series "The Ones to Watch" in 2007.
Steven is also an experienced singer, having performed in top ensembles at CSULB. He is currently a section leader in a 16 voice professional choir at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. He also works as an accompanist for solo voice and choral ensembles.
In addition to his career as a working musician, Steven maintains a commitment to writing, performing, and recording creative music. His influences include, but are not limited to, the rich tradition of Western classical music, the jazz avant-garde, Indian classical music, and West African ensemble drumming. Please stop by the Audio section to have a listen!