Steven Crowell began accordion lessons at age of nine. Even at that early age Steven was "hearing" melodies and jazz chords in his head. He states that if his accordion teacher [Cassius Cameron] had taught him the lush chords he was "hearing" -- instead of polkas and waltzes -- he would probably be an accordion player today!
At fifteen Steven discovered the guitar, and within two months was playing in local combos. He played guitar and upright bass in the high school jazz band, and studied with many local teachers. Just out of high school, Steven formed a group with Sylvester Stewart (Sly of the Family Stone) which cut several records and performed at Lake Tahoe for an entire summer.
At age 19 Steven began lessons with the great Warren Nunes. In college he studied advanced and 20th Century harmony with Dr. Coleen Bicknell and the late Gordon R. Keddington, earning his California teaching credential. In 1969 Steven left his teaching position to go on the road with a show group, and for the next 10 years crafted his skills by performing five and six nights a week.
In 1979 Steven published the first volume of his guitar instruction course, based upon his unique performing and educational experiences. This was met with critical acclaim (Guitar Player magazine calls Steven's work "Some of the best"), and has evolved into a four-year college level jazz guitar course.
More recently Steven has formed, The Jazz Science Guitar Institute, with his collaborator, Phillip Murray, and has published a series of revolutionary jazz guitar method books, based on his discovery of the 84 Jazz Guitar Equations, a system that facilitates soloing on the entire fretboard.
Over the years, Steven Crowell has performed in night clubs, show rooms, and jazz festivals. He has worked with the top names in show business, including, George Burns, Bob Newhart, The Coasters, The Diamonds, seven years on the road with jazz pianist, Big Tiny Little, and in films with Tommy Lee Jones (Cobb), and Whoopie Goldberg (Sister Act). He recently played in the movie, The Encore of Tony Duran, and performs every Sunday night with the Ted Herman Orchestra, at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.
