Steve Holt
About
I am a two-time JUNO Award nominee and McGill University graduate, offering one-on-one piano lessons online via Zoom for dedicated students, from beginners to advanced players. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, whether it’s learning jazz harmony, improvisation, chord voicings, standards, or technique. I bring decades of experience as a performer, recording artist, and educator.
Students must have access to an acoustic piano or an 88-key digital piano with fully weighted keys.
🎹 Serious students welcome. Let’s take your playing to the next level.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is rooted in clarity, musicality, and inspiration. I meet each student where they are—whether you're a beginner discovering jazz for the first time or an advanced pianist looking to deepen your improvisational language. I focus on unlocking your creativity while building a strong foundation in harmony, rhythm, and technique.
As a JUNO-nominated jazz pianist with decades of international performance and recording experience, I bring real-world insight to each lesson. I emphasize ear training, tasteful phrasing, and understanding the jazz tradition—all with an encouraging, student-centered approach. Lessons are tailored to your individual goals, and I always strive to make the learning process motivating and musically rewarding.
Curriculum
My method combines ear training, transcription, and applied theory to develop both musical instinct and understanding. I use real jazz repertoire—from standards to modern compositions—to teach concepts like voicing, phrasing, comping, and improvisation. Students learn not only what to play, but why it works. I encourage learning by ear whenever possible, supported by customized exercises, charts, and recordings to suit each student’s needs. Whether we’re working through a tune, developing a solo, or strengthening left-hand comping, every lesson is structured, interactive, and rooted in the language of jazz.
Credentials & Affiliations
B. Mus Major in Jazz Performance - McGill University 1981
2026 JUNO Award Nominee - Jazz Album of the Year
2025 Global Music Awards - Silver Medal
2002 USA Songwriting Competition, Honorable Mention Winner
1983 JUNO Award Nominee - Best Jazz Album
