Dr. Steven K.
Guitar Instructor
Dr. Steve is a positive, motivating, and patient guitar instructor who enjoys working with students of all ages and experience levels. He believes every student has unique goals, interests, and learning styles. Because of this, he customizes lessons to include music students enjoy while building strong musical skills.
Whether a student is picking up the guitar for the first time or working toward advanced performance goals, Dr. Steve creates lessons that are encouraging, challenging, and rewarding.
A Lifetime of Guitar Performance and Education
Dr. Steve’s guitar education includes studies with some of the most respected guitarists in the world, including Jim Hall, George Benson, Ike Isaacs, and Harry Leahy.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He later attended Columbia University, where he received both his Master of Arts and Doctorate degrees after being recommended by renowned composer Milton Babbitt.
His composition studies included work with acclaimed composers such as Ursula Mamlok, David Rakowski, Mario Davidovsky, Giampaolo Bracali, and George Edwards.
Professional Music Career
During his years in New York, Dr. Steve built a successful career as a professional guitarist. He performed as a substitute guitarist in Broadway orchestras for productions including Grease, They’re Playing Our Song, and Shenandoah. He also worked as a studio guitarist for recordings and commercials while maintaining a private teaching studio.
In 2009, Steve began writing for Just Jazz Guitar magazine, which led to a meaningful friendship and musical collaboration with legendary guitarist Mundell Lowe. Steve was later chosen to write and deliver the eulogy at Mundell Lowe’s memorial in 2018.
He also produced Mundell Lowe’s final recording, Poor Butterfly, featuring Mundell Lowe, guitarist Lloyd Wells, and bassist Jim Ferguson. The album reached the national jazz charts and continues to receive airplay in the United States and internationally.
Experienced Music Educator
Dr. Steve began teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1998. During his time there, he served as a band and orchestra director, chaired the instrumental music department, and created the district’s guitar curriculum.
He also presented nationally as a music education clinician, helping guitar teachers improve their classroom instruction. His work earned him multiple Citations of Excellence for his contributions to music education.
A Lifelong Commitment to Music
After moving to Mesa, Arizona in 2020, Dr. Steve continued composing, performing, and teaching. He is currently completing major creative projects, including a double concerto for classical guitar, jazz guitar, and chamber orchestra. He is also the official biographer of Mundell Lowe.
Outside of music, Steve has practiced karate since the 1980s. Like music, karate requires discipline, dedication, and daily practice—values he brings into his teaching.
Helping Students Discover Their Musical Voice
Dr. Steve enjoys teaching students at every stage, from beginners to highly advanced musicians. He finds each student’s musical journey inspiring and rewarding.
Through his extensive performance experience, educational background, and patient teaching style, Dr. Steve helps students build confidence, develop skills, and discover the lifelong joy of playing guitar., Listen to his Podcast Episode
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