Bass, Guitar, Drum, Piano
Jon Steele is an active performer working with many of DC's great jazz musicians as well as artists from all over the world. He's also an active composer and session musician, in additional to teaching private lessons to students of all ages on a variety of instruments.
Originally from the southeast, Jon studied music at the University of Tennessee and received degrees in Studio Music/Jazz and Double Bass Performance. He studied jazz with the great composer Donald Brown, who has always been a source of inspiration and musicianship.
Jon has worked all over the east coast playing with big bands, symphonies, soca bands, jam bands, Top 40 - just about any style of music you can name. He has also taught classes in Music Appreciation and Rock History, along with private lessons in guitar, electric bass, double bass, and drums. He later began accepting piano students as well, and enjoys helping beginners of all ages to establish a foundation in music.
Jon has performed with notable names including Vinnie Colaiuta, Kevin Hays, and Louise Mandrell, as well as global artists Cheick Hamala Diabate, Dr. Huda Asfour, Allyn Johnson, Benito Gonzales, Todd Marcus, and many more. In 2016, Jon released his first album as a band leader. The CD features original compositions and arrangements played by some incredible musicians from DC, Baltimore, New York, and LA.
Music education is something that Jon is very passionate about. In addition to teaching the instrument and establishing a solid foundation in theory, harmony, and sight-reading, Jon's hope for his students is that they will also become good listeners; this is the key to getting the most value from music lessons. Through listening and understanding, the student can experience a lifetime of enjoyment while learning about music and the world around it!