Steve Calabrese is a composer and multi-instrumentalist born and raised in South Philadelphia. His musical journey began at age eight, when he started taking guitar lessons at the Settlement Music School. Throughout his formative years, he performed on guitar and electric bass in his elementary school concert band, sang in the choir, and played trumpet in the marching band—experiences that helped him develop a versatile musical foundation.
From 2003 to 2005, Calabrese served as the guitarist for the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Marc D. Johnson. This opportunity strengthened his foundation in performance, while exposing him to the discipline and creativity of working in a high-level ensemble. He later attended the University of the Arts, broadening his musical reach through diverse performance and study.
Over the years, Calabrese has played in numerous bands and ensembles, exploring styles ranging from rock and jazz to Americana and blues. A self-taught pianist, he continues to expand his musical vocabulary, devoting extensive time to studying and playing the works of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Bartók, and other masters. In addition to performing, he has been a dedicated private music instructor for more than fifteen years, working with students across various ages and skill levels.
His formal compositional training includes an intensive four-year study of Baroque counterpoint under American composer Dr. Benjamin C. S. Boyle, a mentorship that deeply shaped his compositional craft. As a composer, he enjoys creating music in a wide array of styles—including classical, jazz, and electronic music—drawing on his diverse background to craft work that is both informed by tradition and open to contemporary expression.