Biography
Music School Operator
Steven opened his first Yamaha Music School in January 2024, based in Blyth, and a second school in January 2025, based in North Shields. These two schools provide the opportunity for people to learn all instruments in either one to one, group or band environments. Since opening, the schools have continued to grow in numbers and Steven hopes to open further schools in the future.
Steven launched the Blyth Community Wind Band in September of 2024. Starting with just 16 players, this band has now grown to over 40 players and its concerts continue to grow, with over 100 people attending their 2025 proms concert. Steven has launched a Guitar Orchestra and a Symphony Orchestra in September 2025. He hopes to continue this development in 2026 giving more people the opportunity to perform live music in an ensemble.
Concert Series
Stevens’ Concert Series was launched in January 2024 from his new Yamaha Music School, providing a platform for both local and touring professional musicians to perform live music in Northumberland. Since beginning he has now hosted hundreds of concerts.
The Concert Series runs on a non-profit basis, ensuring musicians are paid well. Any additional money is used to put on concerts for local schools for free. Steven feels it is important that children experience live music from a young age and hopes to continue to grow the amount we offer. Through this, over 2000 children have experienced live music since the series began.
Performance
Steven has received praise at hundreds of solo concerts throughout the UK and continues to develop and share new and exciting percussion music. His online profile as a solo artist has developed rapidly over the last few years with thousands of people following his online performances throughout the world. He has performed and recorded various concertos during this time with orchestra’s and ensembles in the North East of England. As principal percussionist for championship section Easington Colliery brass band he has performed throughout the UK at various venues and competitions including the National Championships at the Albert Hall.
In 2023 Steven was appointed as president for the UK chapter of the ‘Percussive Arts Society’. Steven has developed a new website (ukpas.com) and will be developing various percussion events in the UK over coming years.
Academic Development and Research
In 2019 he completed his Bachelor Degree in performance, receiving a 1st class honours degree from Wolverhampton University, alongside the award for best music performance. Realising how much he enjoyed developing his performance skills, he moved to Leeds University to continue his academic skills. Steven completed his Masters degree in performance in 2021 with distinction and was presented the student award for outstanding achievement. Inspired by the researching performance elements in Leeds, Steven now continues his research to complete his PhD.
Stevens research looks at the ‘Transcription and Performance of Baroque Harpsichord on Marimba’ developing a transcription process, performance techniques and a new range of repertoire. His hope is to share his research and music with the world and inspire performers to develop the instrument further.
Crohns Disease
At the age of 37, the diagnosis of Crohns disease led Steven to move away from the busy leisure industry and return to his career in music. This incurable disease has caused Steven to require three major surgeries, spending a great deal of time in intensive care. Whilst Steven’s disease is currently stable, it effects his life daily. Every day, people are diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis, the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease. You could be any age, rich or poor, of any faith or none, of any ethnicity, sexuality, or gender.
Steven was diagnosed he has moved through a range of mediations and had several surgeries. There have been times where he has been unable to do anything due to pain and fatigue. Steven is a big believer that this disease is not going to define who he is and with support from great family and friends has continued to follow his path towards his dream. Others do not have such strong support and need help from others
Whoever you are, a diagnosis of Crohn’s or Colitis will be life changing. Since 1979, Crohn’s & Colitis UK has been here for everyone affected by Crohn’s and Colitis. This amazing charity is ran purely on donations and volunteer work.
