Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Harlos.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Philadelphia, PA, and grew up in the suburbs around Valley Forge. As a teenager, I studied piano, composition, and theory. My piano teacher was a brilliant woman, Martha Massena. She taught at the Curtis Institute for 57 years. After I graduated from high school, I went to Indiana University to study music. I did my Master’s degree at the University of Western Ontario where I worked with the great British pianist, Peter Katin. I did my Doctoral study at the University of Southern California where I worked with Jean Barr. As I was finishing my degree, there was a job opening at the University of North Texas, and I applied. I have been teaching there since 1982.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I think any musician has struggles. I thought about quitting more than once. I had setbacks at every stage of my life. I am not sure of my abilities or worth as a musician, but I keep working and trying to do better.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My life has different facets. I teach full-time at the University of North Texas, and it is very rewarding to work with young talented musicians and help them develop their musical abilities. My primary field of activity is with the collaborative piano program. I enjoy creating music with other musicians, and that is I focus on with my wonderful colleague, Elvia Puccinelli. I have piano majors and collaborative majors in my studio. Besides my work at the university, I play with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and absolutely world-class orchestra. These days I am mostly doing Pops concerts, which is fun. I have a strong jazz background, so I get to play jazz piano, as well as working with synthesizers and other keyboards. I also like to compose music in my spare time. Sometimes that means when I should be doing other things, like sleeping.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t call it luck, but certainly being in the right place at the right time and being ready to take advantage of the situation has something to do with it. My decision to go to Indiana University is one example. I happened to be at a family reunion, where I saw one of my cousins who was a singer attending IU. She told me what a great school it was, and I applied there. That was where I met my wife Carol, and we just celebrated our 42nd anniversary. It was also where I met Harvey Phillips, the famous tubist, who played a vital role in my life. If I hadn’t gone to that reunion, my life would have turned out much differently.
Image Credits
Elle Logan
