About me
Stephen Gleason is a New York born musician and educator with over 25 years of performance, composing, and academic achievements. With heavy roots in both jazz and popular music he’s carved-out a unique career arc that has spanned across 25 years.
Most recently he has contributed production work for several projects of Pharrell Williams, including: “Piece By Piece” from The Lego Movie, as well as the song “Shotgun Wedding” featuring Jelly Roll for the Louis Vuitton, Paris fashion show.
As a guitarist and vocalist he has performed for major network television, corporate, and political affairs including: Rachael Ray Show, The Food Network, and The Presidential Inaugural Ball. He has recorded guitar and vocals for artists such as Gloria Estefan, Carly Simon, as well as numerous dance hall luminaries including Sandy B.
As a CASA award-winning ensemble director of Quintet, his original vocal arrangements are heralded as a "modern and vibrant interpretation of classic jazz and the Great American Songbook,” garnering attention from the likes of Manhattan Transfer and Phil Mattson from the renowned A cappella quartet Singers Unlimited. A profound commitment to education has led to lectures, workshops, and masterclasses across the world, with articles featured in Hot House and Jazz Insider.
As a full-time lecturer at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, Stephen teaches contemporary voice and guitar as well as advanced music production courses for popular musicians. Additionally, he is the director of the Coffeehouse ensemble for singer/songwriters. Some of his former students include: ®GRAMMY award winning R&B singer Chrisette Michele, ®GRAMMY nominated vocalist Kadeem Nichols, and rap/country artist KIDD G.
