Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Steven Terpenning has had the fortune of a long and diverse career in music, which has brought him to far-flung places and introduced him to many interesting people who have become lifelong friends. Based on these experiences, Steven has developed a holistic approach to teaching music that celebrates its interactive nature and fosters a sense of history, while addressing the individual needs and goals of each student.
Growing up in northern California, Steven began studying the saxophone at age ten. During high school he began to focus more on jazz improvisation, but also auditioned into all-state concert bands and performed with friends in a ska band. He also began studying flute and clarinet during this time. In college at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Steven continued studying and performing both classical and jazz styles while also branching out into African music and studying abroad in Ghana. After earning a music education degree, he taught middle school band for two years in Maryland, then returned to Boulder to earn a PhD in ethnomusicology, completing a dissertation on music in Ghana. Throughout his years teaching and studying in graduate school he has stayed active musically by performing in jazz big bands and combos as well as musicals such as "Grease," "Sweeny Todd" and "Cabaret."
While Steven remains interested and engaged in music scholarship, he made the decision to prioritize performing and teaching saxophone, flute and clarinet in the Denver area, and has focused on woodwinds instruction since 2017. When not teaching and playing music with friends he enjoys spending time with family, reading, and enjoying the outdoors in beautiful Colorado.