Stephen Gleason is a New York born and bred musician, artist, and educator. An accomplished guitarist and vocalist with heavy roots in both jazz and popular music who has curated a unique career of performing, composing, producing, and teaching music.
From an early age, the influence of his grandfather, a classically trained bass player, and uncle, a jazz drummer, was a huge source of inspiration. Quickly enamored of their music, it was not long before the purchase of his first guitar at age 11, thus beginning a twenty year journey in the fine arts.
As a guitar principal studying music education and composition in college, the exposure to the diverse
A cappella ensembles on campus were a particular source of excitement and interest. The rhythm and blues of gospel along with the close harmony of barbershop quartets introduced Stephen to the world of
A cappella singing, arranging, and composition. Immediately joining anything and everything “vocal”, the majority of his collegiate life would be occupied by equal parts guitar and voice, thus laying the foundation for his career arc.
As an award-winning ensemble director, 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.
As a member of the vocal jazz group Quintet, Stephen would earn a CASA award in 2016 for their debut album Quintet: Volume 1.
A profound commitment to education has led to lectures, workshops, and masterclasses nationwide, Europe, and Africa; with articles featured in Hot House and Jazz Insider. Working as guitarist and vocalist, he has performed for major network television, corporate, and political affairs including: Rachael Ray, The Food Network, and The Presidential Inaugural Ball.
Stephen now resides in Miami where he is an active performer and educator, and has since gone on to direct the Contemporary A cappella ensemble at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami.