Steve McKnight

Steve McKnight - Professional Trumpet

I’m a professional trumpet player and educator with a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from McGill University, as well as undergraduate degrees in Classical Performance and Music Education from Slippery Rock University.

I’ve made a living playing trumpet for over 30 years, performing in brass quintets, orchestras, touring Broadway productions, jazz ensembles, salsa bands, and big bands. My career has allowed me to perform with artists including The Temptations, Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra Jr., Bernadette Peters, Regis Philbin, The Four Tops, Billy Price, No Bad JuJu, and many others.

My teaching combines real-world professional experience with a structured, methodical approach. I work with motivated beginners through advanced players in both classical and jazz styles.

In classical study, we focus on developing tone, breath efficiency, articulation clarity, range, and musical phrasing through systematic technique work and etude study to improve overall trumpet performance.

In jazz study, I teach a clear, repeatable improvisation system using a target-note framework and permutation concepts inspired by the Jerri Bergonzi method. Students learn how to intentionally outline harmony and confidently navigate chord changes; from foundational ii–V–I progressions to advanced harmonic movement, making even complex tunes approachable.

Lessons are tailored to your individual goals, whether that includes audition preparation, repertoire development, improvisation fluency, or overall technical improvement. Students also have access to me throughout the week for questions as they prepare, so you’re never stuck practicing without guidance.

My goal is not just improvement, but understanding — so you know exactly why what you’re playing works.

Let’s build your sound the right way,

Steve

My teaching style is shaped by over 30 years of making a living as a working trumpet player. I emphasize the skills that matter beyond the practice room: consistency, preparation, sound quality, stylistic awareness, and musical reliability. Students learn not just how to play exercises, but how to perform with confidence in auditions, concerts, rehearsals, and professional settings.

Lessons balance technical precision with musical expression. We build fundamentals that hold up under pressure — efficient breathing, controlled articulation, finger clarity, endurance, and a centered, resonant tone — while also developing interpretive skills and stylistic authenticity in both classical and jazz settings.

I teach students how to practice intelligently and solve problems independently. The goal is long-term growth: developing musicians who understand their instrument, adapt to different musical environments, and walk into any performance situation prepared and confident.