Steven Niles

Pianist

About


Steven Niles attended the University of Southern California where he received degrees concluding in a Doctor of Musical Arts. He majored in Piano Performance, studying with noted pianist Daniel Pollack. He minored in Historical Musicology, Music Education, and Harpsichord.


Steven has taught music in the Los Angeles Community College District since 2011, at Pierce, Mission, and City Colleges. He teaches class and applied Piano, Music Appreciation, Music Theory, and Choir.


Steven has performed both locally and abroad, sharing programs and teaching masterclasses in numerous cities in Asia and Europe.


Steven enjoys music of all eras and styles, but is especially interested in newly composed works. He has commissioned works by Roberto Sierra, Peter Child, Chris Dench, and others.


Steven performs early music on the harpsichord, using the keyboard tuning of the period, region, and composer. In addition to solo harpsichord music, he also realizes basso continuo and improvises in early music.


Steven enjoys music criticism and has written music reviews for New Classic LA and AOL.

Music

Teaching


Steven Niles teaches privately in Pasadena, California, instructing students of all ages and levels in piano technique, musicality, and theory. His studio consists of two grand pianos, positioned side by side to facilitate teaching, and a separate warm-up room. He uses method books in teaching beginners, and continues with music from the classical canon with intermediate and advanced students. He includes music theory assignments and technique-building exercises in every lesson and emphasizes repertoire development as a top priority. He teaches non-classical styles as well, in accordance with the goals of the student.


Dr. Niles espouses the teaching philosophy that piano playing is a skill, much as any other. Talent, if it exists at all, plays a small role in achievement. With effective training and hard work, all people can learn to play the piano on the highest levels.  


Dr. Niles is dedicated to promoting understanding of piano technique and musicality in the hopes that all aspiring pianists may realize their goals and full potential as artists.  

Articles


New Opera Commemorates, Encapsulates Mexican Tragedy

Oxy Composer Bruno Louchouarn premieres opera on major event in his life.


Zen in the Art of Piano Spheres

Eagle Rock pianist Vicki Ray performs recital of Buddhist-themed music.


Eagle Rock Pianist Enthralls Audience with Music for Left Hand

Mark Robson gives a thrilling performance at a sold-out recital.


Celebrating the Nuts and Bolts of John Cage’s Music

Occidental College Professor Robert Ward presents a lecture-recital of Cage’s masterpiece for “prepared piano.”


String Quartet Shares Singing Tone with Eagle Rock

The Marian Anderson String Quartet returns to Occidental College after nine years.


Awadagin Pratt—An Acclaimed Pianist’s Triumphant Recital at Occidental

Thorne Hall fills to capacity for a rare Southern California performance by a virtuoso pianist and skilled improviser.

Album

Contact

contact@stevenniles.com(626) 344-7410