Educator Dave Sterner

Dave Sterner has been teaching music in Northeast Ohio for more than 30 years. He joined the faculty at Cuyahoga Community College (TRI-C) jazz program in 2007 and has taught advanced Ear Training, Jazz Theory, Arranging, Improvisation, and applied music lessons. The success of his students has been well documented. Those students include Dominick Farinacci, Curtis Taylor, Aaron Kleinstub, Riley Richard, Reginald Bowens to name a few. All have active careers in music and, in some cases, have won Grammys.

In addition to TRI-C, Mr. Sterner also conducted the Lakeland Community College Civic Jazz Orchestra and co-directed the Lakeland Jazz Festival from 2008-2020. As a conductor, he is well versed in big band rehearsal techniques and repertoire. His role in the Lakeland Jazz Festival allowed him to work closely and collaborate with adjudicators from all over the country. He has been a clinician for Lakeland jazzfest, TRI-C Jazzfest, Ashland University Jazz Festival, College of Wooster, and several local high schools.

As a private lesson teacher, Dave has given thousands of lessons to students of various skills. He understands how to engage students on many different levels. He has proven techniques in teaching improvisation and reading skills. Dave’s main goal as an educator is to show students how to “teach themselves” to become better musicians, a technique he learned while earning his Bachelor’s in Music Performance at Indiana University’s famed jazz program under renowned educator, David Baker.

Other teaching positions that Dave has held include Master Teaching Artist for the Center For Arts-Inspired Learning, faculty for the TRI-C Jazz Academy, faculty for the “Summer with the Jazz Masters” camp, and faculty for the Lakeland summer jazz camps. Recently, Dave was hired to teach applied lessons and participate in the Faculty Ensemble at Cleveland State University.

Dave is available for private lessons and clinics.

“Teaching has given me a chance to really see what I value as a musician and to organize my thoughts and goals. In working with younger musicians and explaining things, I also learn in the process. … music can be so many things. It can teach you discipline. It can be a source of expression. It can be a source of creativity and just as important, it can be fun.” – Dave Sterner.

 

Review

“Since about 1993 I’ve been very drawn to Dave’s style of music, both on stage, and in the classroom. As an adult student, I got a chance to learn from him with private lessons, and then was lead to the Tri-C summer program to help enrich my jazz learning. Recently, I’ve re-associated with him through being a member of the Lakeland Community Jazz Orchestra, and subsequently am finding it helpful to become a student of his once again! Dave is a serious artist, dedicated to music, and to the students, who are the future of Jazz. He can be both directed, and playful, in his approach to teaching and conducting. He is a humble man, who has been a clear channel to many in this world of ego-filled personalities.”  – Jerry Keller

 

Interested in studying with Dave? Click here for contact info.