Growing up in a musical family, Steve Maass began playing the trumpet in 2nd grade. Taking private lessons from early on helped Steve to excel quickly, and by 5th grade he was 1st chair Trumpet in the NYS All-County Jazz Ensemble, a position he maintained each year through middle school and high school. Steve also had the honor of being selected for the NY All-State Wind Ensemble both years he was eligible during high school.  Studying with Phil Granger – NY Recording Artist/Broadway Musician – from 7th – 12th Grade, Steve learned early on how to approach the trumpet, and music as a art form, in a manner that would have him prepared for all kinds of playing, including classical, jazz, funk, rock, and beyond. As a result of being taught to play such different musical varieties, Steve was able to become a member of many different musical groups, both in and out of school. Steve also began successfully teaching private lessons beginning in 10th grade, as encouraged by the Arts Administrator, Mr. John McNeur, of his hometown school district.

All of Steve’s musical education and experiences lead him to earn a position as a Trumpet Performance & Music Education major at the Boston University School of Fine Arts. During these years he studied with such notable trumpet players as, Joe Foley (soloist) & Jeff Luke (Atlantic Brass Quintet). After Graduating B.U., Steve went on to teach in the public schools as a band director. He taught publicly for 9 years, during which time he studied wind conducting at Hofstra University under the instruction of renowned conductor and educator, Dr. Peter L. Booneshaft. It was during this period of time that Steve pursued a new musical challenge and switched to playing low brass instruments. Steve is now an accomplished Bass Trumpet, Euphonium, Baritone, & Trombone player who performs locally with area bands of all genres such as The Asheville Jazz All-Stars, The High Gravity Jazz Trio, The Smokey Mountain Brass Band, and also works as a freelance commercial musician and recording artist.

LESSONS WITH STEVE MAASS:

Lessons with Steve Maass provide students of all ages with quality guidance appropriate to all learning styles. Steve’s teaching method offers a structured, comprehensive, and focused experience that is presented in a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. Students studying with Steve will learn how to read and perform many different styles of music, though the majority of the valuable training offered is classical in nature - a foundation and musical philosophy that helps develop the roots of brass performance. Scale studies, technical & chop building exercises, duets, solos, competition material, school ensemble music, as well as transposition & sight reading skills, are all covered. Jazz studies are offered on request for Big Band playing, where we will focus on playing written jazz pieces, transcribed solos, and jazz etudes. Jazz Combo instruction is available too, where we will focus heavily on reading heads of jazz standards, and learning how to improvise through the chord changes.