Steve M.

Jazz bassist, guitarist and producer who shapes each lesson around the music his students love.

Teaches at Collingswood, Merchantville and Haddonfield
In studio

Book a trial with Steve

See rates

“Find the music you love and practice your basics so you can start having fun!”

About Steve

I started playing guitar at 12, inspired by Nirvana like a lot of kids my age. In high school I joined the marching band, and when concert band season came around I had to pick a more traditional instrument, so I chose upright bass. That opened the door to jazz and classical music. I joined every ensemble I could, which led me to study jazz performance in college.

Studying at the University of the Arts was one of the best experiences of my life. I met many of the people I still make music with, played in bands, went on tours and produced music for other artists. Now I focus mainly on teaching, because it’s one of the most rewarding parts of music.

I love getting people excited about music and shaping lessons around their interests and needs. I teach through the music students love, and show them as much as I can about how music works so they feel confident in almost any situation.

What Steve teaches

Guitar
Electric bass
Upright bass
Piano
Ukulele
Songwriting
Production

Lessons in studio at Collingswood.

Also plays drums, and has experimented with soprano sax and clarinet.

Get to know Steve

How I got started

At 12, inspired by Nirvana and Green Day videos, Jimi Hendrix, Queen in Wayne’s World and the Johnny B. Goode scene in Back to the Future.

What I love to play

Jazz, because I love learning tunes and their structures. Folk, because it’s new to me and I enjoy singing. And metal, for the physical challenge!

My advice for beginners

Find the music you love and practice your basics so you can start having fun!

A favorite teaching moment

Running a band class with students I’d taught since they were young kids, and watching their final performance before they left for college. Another student started transcribing difficult jazz tunes completely on her own, and I was so proud.