Steven Harmon

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.