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Steve Scholz

Born in Long Island, New York and raised in New Smyrna Beach, Florida – Steve Scholz began his career as a professional musician at age 15.

Working his way through the gig scene of the greater Daytona Beach area, Steve quickly gained prominence amongst local musicians and began to hone his skills as a performer and entertainer in hotel lobbies, restaurants, bars, weddings and private parties. During these formative years the young pianist didn’t hesitate to prove himself in more formal settings as well. Awarded the illustrious position of jazz pianist for the Florida All-State Jazz Band three years in a row (2003, 2004, 2005), nominated “outstanding soloist” and IAJE notification at FSU Jazz Festival (2005), UNF Jazz Festivals (2004, 2005), Lakeside Jazz Festival (2004,2005) First-Place Winner in the Duke Brown Blues Scholarship Competition (Daytona Beach Florida, 2005) and First-Place Winner in the Central Florida Jazz Society Competition in (Orlando, Florida 2005).

Offered several full music and academic scholarships to attend college, yet being the consummate beach bum and addicted golfer, Steve decided to remain in Florida and attend the Florida State University on full scholarships to study with world renowned faculty members Marcus Roberts, Count Basie trumpeter Scotty Barnhart, Bill Peterson, Leon Anderson Jr., Rodney Jordan, Bill Kennedy and Paul McKee. While attending FSU and located in the state capital of Tallahassee, Steve shared the stage and participated in master classes with Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Jimmy Cobb, Jason Marsalis and Rufus Reid; performed, composed, and recorded for top FSU jazz combos and the nationally acclaimed Jazz Ensemble I; worked for and engaged in collaborations with the School of Dance, School of Theater and School of Motion Picture Arts (Film School); all the while still maintaining an active work schedule throughout the Southeast US which included freelancing at festivals, hotels, bars and restaurants as well as performances for State Senators, Financial Officers and an opening performance for 2-time Grammy Award winning vocalist Ricki Lee Jones.

Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Steve expanded his musical horizons to the northeast US – predominantly in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, before accepting an offer to return to FSU as part of the Graduate Faculty. It is here Steve joined the great team of educators at FSU to become an instructor of the Jazz Piano Class for jazz majors, Jazz Chamber Music classes, Applied Lessons, Jazz Ensembles, Jazz History and the official assistant to the world renown artist in residence Marcus Roberts. Continuing his active lifestyle as a performer, Steve seized an opportunity to tour the world as a keyboardist/pianist/conductor on the Holland America Cruise line – performing throughout Central America, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, and Alaska before graduating with his Masters in Music performance in 2011.

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Recording

Steve Scholz - Debut Album " When You Feel It Within"

Steve Scholz - Debut Album " When You Feel It Within"

Source: Steve Scholz

Steve Scholz is releasing his debut album as a leader - featuring all original compositions. It has been described as an intimate blend of acoustic straight-ahead/latin jazz - with playful melodies, afro-cuban rhythms and the soulfulness of the blues - music that keep a coherent storyline and mood. Steve Scholz is currently on faculty at Contra Costa College and Diablo Valley College as the adjunct professor of jazz/popular piano. He was formerly a member of the graduate faculty at Florida ...

Primary Instrument

Piano

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Masters Degree - jazz piano performnce FSU Adjunct professor of jazz/popular piano at Contra Costa College Diablo Valley College $60hr all ages all levels

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