Steven Harmon
Horn
Hometown: Santa Monica, CA
Alma mater: Yale School of Music
Photo by Matt Dine
Profile
Appearances: Music Academy of the West, 2019; Norfolk Chamber Festival, 2018; Roundtop Festival Institute, 2017
What is your earliest memory of classical music? My grandparents taking me to an LA Chamber concert
When did you realize you wanted to pursue music as a career? In high school
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply? By asking colleagues about training orchestras. Hearing that it was a good orchestra inspired me.
What do you think orchestra concerts should look like in the 21st Century? Filled with people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds
Who is your biggest inspiration? Andrew Bain
Which composer or genre of music do you feel you connect with the most? Beethoven
What is your favorite piece of music, and why do you love it? Ein Heldenleben because it is spectacular
What has been your favorite experience as a musician? Stepping in the morning of a family concert with the San Francisco Symphony
What is some advice you would give to your younger self? Practice fun things.
Favorite non-classical musician or band: Boy Pablo
If you could play another instrument, what would it be? Piano
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing? Software development
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to and why? Italy because of the delicious coffee
Which three people, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with and why? My brother, sister, and Mozart because I can be myself around them and Mozart was funny
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us: I am half Chilean.
Piece of advice for a young classical musician: Figure out how to enjoy the process of practice.