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He considered other colleges in the West but decided that UNM would provide him with the best education for the money. Afterworking on his degree during the last six years, usually while holding down a variety of jobs, he feels his decision was a good one. "I think UNM has a really great faculty, and I learned much from them," he says. "The Music Department faculty is diverse in terms of their skills and experience. For example, we have experts in everything from baroque to John Cage."
When first starting his studies, Steve planned to major in computer science with a minor in music, as it seemed to be the most practical approach. However, after taking classes in both areas, he found that he was much more drawn to music, and so he changed his major to composition. Initially he was concerned about career opportunities in the music field but says, "College showed me that the starving-artist model is not necessarily true. If you work hard and look for creative options, you will survive and be successful in your career." Steve plays a variety of instruments including tuba, trombone and saxophone but mostly enjoys using his vocal talents, composing and arts administration.
Steve has certainly worked hard, been creative and taken advantage of every opportunity UNM had to offer him. He chose to spread out his education over six years so that he could take a variety of courses, work with specific faculty, participate in special programs and work as a student in different departments. He enjoyed and learned from many of his professors, but especially credits his professors Pat Hughes and Chris Shultis for teaching him much about the "non-textbook aspect of music." They taught him the necessary musical theory, but they also shared their experiences in the business side of the musical world and helped Steve become interested in arts management, where he now spends much of his professional life. He also expanded his understanding of music history and music in different cultures in his Native Music Class, taught by Maria Williams, research assistant professor of ethnomusicology. As part of this class, the students traveled to Alaska to attend a conference at the University of Alaska and the Camai Dance Festival in Bethel. They also visited a small Alaskan village to learn more about the musical heritage of its people.
Steve laid the groundwork for his current career by working as a student employee for the Music Department. He was the lead production assistant for Keller Hall, where he was involved in house and stage management and learned how to hold special events. He also worked for the Band Department and its Zia Marching Band Fiesta, a fund-raiser in which 18,000 people participate. Marching bnads from high schools in New Mexico, Colorado and West Texas come to University Stadium each fall to perform in this well-respected competition. For the last two years, Steve has served as co-director of the festival along with Susan Brake, administrative assistant II, music. Monies raised from this event support the various programs of the UNM Band Department.
While still a student, Steve started working with Chamber Music albuquerque (CMA) as a stage manager. He so impressed the CMA board of directors and staff that when a key employee left, he became the director of operations and education last June, working alongside Judy Smith, director of administration and planning. His responsibilities with CMA are varied, as he works with the board and various committees, oversees ticketing and facilities, and administers educational programs, family concerts and the Summer Ensemble Studio at Albuquerque Academy. Steve comments, "Chamber Music Albuquerque is a well-rounded organization bringing world-class performers here to Albuquerque while helping to educate the next generation of musicians and chamber music lovers through educational programs. I'm excited to play an important role in making this happen."
Always looking for creative ways to use his talents and carve out a thriving career in music, Steve started his own business, Beaumont Music, last year. Seeing a need for music education in the Albuquerque Public School system and local private schools, he offers classes in band and recorder for students in the first through fifth grades. Along with Robert Starner, an alumnus of the CFA Music Department, he works at 12 different schools and teaches some 270 students a week, thereby helping to fill an important educational need for local students.
In addition to his work with CMA and Beaumont Music, he plays tuba, sings in the choir and works with the Children's Choir at First United Methodist Church. With all his jobs, he works about 70 hours a week but says, "I love everything I'm doing right now. I can't always call it work and sometimes can't believe I'm actually getting paid to do what I so much enjoy."
Although he initially thought he would focus on a career in performing and composing, he finds himself increasingly drawn to arts management. Says Steve, "UNM taught me I really love performance, but it is not the right career path for me. I find that I prefer the administrative side of music because I like working with people. I'm detail-oriented, and I truly enjoy taking a musical project from zero to the finished production."
Steve has sound advice for other students considering music careers. "Don't rush through your college education," he says. "Learn what you need to learn and take your time. I'm the poster child for this approach. Take advantage of all the opportunities the College of Fine Arts has to offer, and look for creative approaches to your career."
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