About Steven Madonia
Steven Madonia, originally from Long Island, New York has an extensive background in string instruments, orchestral performance, and education. Steven received his Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music for music education in 2018. One year later, Steven completed his Master's Degree at the University of Buffalo (Also in music education). Steven has taught at all grade levels instructing students in music performance, and music appreciation in both classroom and private lesson settings. With a background in Gordon's Music Learning Theory, Steven aims to increase student's understanding of musical elements, ear training, and the concepts of music as a whole. In addition to this, Steven has taken classes and training on the Alexander Technique, a corner stone of his teaching style. An approach that helps students gain awareness of their physical movements while playing and how to eliminate negative tension while performing. With these techniques, Steven strives to help every student feel comfortable with the topics of their performance as well as the physicality of their playing.
In terms of performance groups, Steven has been a member of various ensembles. The Crane Symphony Orchestra with which he performed at Carnegie Hall and was recorded several times for PBS holiday specials, the Gemini Youth Orchestra which performed at Lincoln Center while he was in high school, and other groups such as the Dowling Symphony Orchestra, and the West Islip Symphony Orchestra. In addition to standard concert performance, Steven has also performed in a few pit orchestras, for productions such as Oliver, Hairspray, Shrek the Musical, as well as the opera L'etoile. Steven has performed under the baton of several illustrious conductors such as JoAnn Falletta, Duain Wolfe, Joseph Flummerfelt, and more. In addition to large performances, Steven has also been active in a variety of chamber groups and performances. Having been an active member in a chamber music setting, Steven has performed at the Long Island Chamber Festival 3 times, he was also coached by Gary Capozziello in a master class with his college quartet. Steven has performed in settings not traditional to classical music as well, having once performed with rock violinist Mark Wood and experimented with jazz and improv under the direction of one of his pervious cello instructors, Mathias Wexler.
Steven is currently teaching at 9-12th grade at Addenbrooke Classical Academy where he instructs students in orchestra classes, piano, and a few general education courses. Ultimately, Steven's goals are to enrich the musical experience of all students regardless of their background, interests, or skill levels. Steven believes in making the journey of music a fun one, an experience that works towards lessening physical tension as well as improving the mental understanding of musical elements. Drawing from this wide variety of performance and educational experience, Steven aims to assist any student in any capacity.
