Steve Altenberg

Steve Altenberg has built an international career as a performer, educator, and clinician, appearing on stages around the world. He has contributed to more than fifty international releases, including his own recordings as a leader. 

A lifelong commitment to performing at the highest level has shaped his path. After earning a BA in Music from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and studying with Alan Dawson and Joe Hunt, Steve’s excitement for music is as strong as ever, more than fifty-five years later. “I still wake up every day eager to get to my instrument to practice,” he says. “Working to develop as a musician has offered me a window into myself — a space where facing my own limitations and challenges has been both grounding and a source of growth. My teaching has evolved out of this experience.” 

Steve helps students begin by understanding what music fundamentally is and what it demands of us. This foundation shows them what they are truly working to get “good” at and lets them evaluate whether their practice methods lead to meaningful growth. Lessons emphasize listening deeply and exploring how individual personalities and artistic choices give music its character. Technique and repertoire are considered only as tools applied to support this expression, not as music itself. 

Throughout lessons, Steve guides students in cultivating both a practicing mindset and a performing mindset. He helps them understand how the two differ, how they interact, and the challenges this interaction presents. “We look closely at these mindsets,” he says. Ultimately, he encourages students to develop insight and autonomy. “I see my job as helping students discover how to teach themselves,” he adds. “Meaningful progress comes from curiosity, focus, and honest engagement with the work. Let’s make that journey together.”