About Steve

I started playing guitar at age 12 inspired by Nirvana like a lot of kids around my age. In high school I joined the marching band(which had rock instruments playing on the sidelines) and when it came time for concert band season, I had to choose a more traditional instrument, so I chose the upright bass. From there I was exposed to jazz and classical music and really enjoyed it. I joined every possible music ensemble in high school and that led me to go to college for jazz performance.

Studying at University of the Arts was one of my greatest life experiences. I felt so at home being surrounded by the arts and artists, taking classes on the most specific and obscure topics. I met many of the people I still make music with there and I was able to play in bands, go on tours and produce music for other artists with the skills and connections I made there. Now I focus primarily on teaching as I've found it's one of the most rewarding aspects of music. I love getting people excited about music and contouring the lessons based on their interests and needs. I try to educate through the music they love and try to show them as much as I can about the inner workings and traditions of music so they can feel confident in almost any situation!

Steve Montenegro

"I try to educate through the music they love and try to show them as much as I can about the inner workings and traditions of music so they can feel confident in almost any situation!"

When did you start playing music, what brought you to it?

I started playing guitar at 12, inspired by Nirvana and Green Day music videos, Jimi Hendrix and Queen songs in Waynes World and the Johnny B Goode scene in Back to the Future.

What are some musical goals you hope to achieve in the future?

Coming from a jazz background focused in improvisation, I'm now more interested in trying songwriting, lyrics and singing!

What other instruments, aside from the ones you teach, have you played before?

I play drums and have experimented with soprano saxophone and clarinet.

What style(s) of music do you like to play the most? Why?

Jazz because I love learning tunes and structures. Folk because its new to me and I enjoy singing. Metal because I enjoy the physical challenge!

What advice could you give to someone who has just begun learning music?

Find the music you love and practice your basics so you can start to have FUN!

What are some of your favorite teaching moments?

I was running a band class with a few students that I had been teaching since they were young kids and we did a final performance before they went off to college and it was so incredible seeing them grow and play challenging music. Another student started transcribing difficult jazz tunes totally on her own and I was so proud.

What is a musical obstacle that you remember overcoming? How did you overcome it?

I was always too scared write songs and sing in front of people but I did do it in a short lived rock band for a few gigs! I practiced until I felt comfortable with it and just went for it.