Biography

Steve's love of music developed early, thanks to great teachers and mentors who encouraged him to grow his musical talents. The Brass Lab is all about passing on this knowledge and passion to the next generation of brass instrument players. 

Steve picked up his first trumpet in 4th grade and has loved brass instruments ever since! Throughout school, he learned to play various brass instruments and benefited from enthusiastic, skilled and thoughtful band teachers. As he grew up, Steve joined multiple bands, eventually playing each night of the week across the Washington metro area rock and roll scene - his bands were always booked!

As he outgrew the bands, Steve returned to school and spent two years studying trumpet performance. During this time,  along side his own learning, Steve taught brass music to students with his mentor at Johnny Smith's music studio. This was a formative time in Steve's music career, as he developed his teaching method and drew great satisfaction from his students. 

After raising five children with his wife Shelley, Steve decided to dedicate his retirement continuing to do the two things he has always loved: playing and teaching music. Steve set up the Brass Lab in 2015 to teach students of all ages and inspire them to pursue their musical talents. He creates varied lessons, each personalized to his students' abilities and interests. His lessons always involve new music pieces and playing duets, in order for the students to listen to their musical partners to play in tune and improve their ensemble playing. He looks forward to getting to know you, your musical aspirations and your favorite tunes!