Steven Needham

Steven Needham is a Washington, D.C. tubist and music educator. Maintaining strong reputation as both a soloist and ensemble musician, he is equally recognized for the success and of his highly competitive private low brass studio.

Throughout his career, Steven has performed with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the National Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, New World Symphony, and New Mexico Philharmonic. A dedicated chamber musician, he has held positions with the Magnolia City Brass Band and the Gulf Coast Brass Quintet and has performed extensively with ensembles such as the New Mexico Philharmonic Brass Quintet, Houston Symphony Brass Quintet, Enchantment Brass, and the Texas Brass Ensemble. His summer engagements include fellowship positions at renowned festivals such as the Napa Valley Music Festival, Atlantic Music Festival, Mostly Modern Music Festival, and Texas Music Festival.

Steven is deeply committed to music education and mentorship. He currently serves as a teaching artist at the George Mason Performing Arts Academy and previously held the position of Adjunct Professor of Tuba/Euphonium at Texas Southern University. During his time in Houston, he developed one of the region’s most competitive private low brass studios. His students have achieved remarkable success, advancing to professional auditions, receiving fellowships at prestigious music festivals, securing scholarships to leading conservatories, and consistently earning top honors in regional, state, national, and international competitions.

As a clinician and masterclass instructor, Steven has appeared at a range of institutions, including Regional Tuba/Euphonium Conferences, Texas Low Brass Academy, University of New Mexico and within school districts such as Katy ISD, Cypress ISD, Klein ISD, and Pearland ISD.

Steven holds a Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory, where he received both the Yale Brody Memorial Scholarship and the Richard Hart/Eugene Sheffers Scholarship. He furthered his studies at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music. His primary teachers include David Kirk, Mark Barton, David Fedderly, Dr. Richard A. White and Zachary Jackson.

Outside of his professional commitments, Steven maintains an active lifestyle that includes running, mountain biking, cooking, and enjoying quality time with his family and his two cats, Daphne and Chloe.

Fundamentals, Etudes, Excerpts, Solos

I put music and my students needs first! My studio has been very successful with dozens of students receiving scholarships to conservatories and universities. Many students have gone on to win jobs in the industry and win international competitions.