Wallace Steele is a multi-instrumentalist who primarily plays alto saxophone and upright bass. He has received his bachelor’s degree in saxophone performance for jazz. He is currently pursuing his master’s in jazz performance for upright bass. Despite his emphasis on jazz studies, he also loves many other styles of music such as classical, Latin, gospel, and other world and folk music styles. He hopes to perform music for other people purely for the joy of sharing music. He believes music is for everyone, by anyone.

Wallace started playing music when he was a young child. He wasn’t born into a musical family but still has an immense passion for music. Orchestra was his first opportunity to play an instrument, choosing the violin. The following year, the band became the next opportunity to explore another instrument and chose the french horn. In the 6th grade, he decided to play alto saxophone and continued for years. While playing in school, he also learned to play the guitar and piano. Wallace also loves to sing. It wasn’t until he got to college that he decided to start studying upright bass while continuing to pursue his degree in saxophone.

Wallace played in concert band and jazz band while in middle school and high school where he received several awards such as Most Improved, superior with distinction, and the “Woody Sherman” award. His senior year he was the drum major of the marching band and won first place in both state championships. In college, he played in jazz combos, big bands, gospel choirs, and urban ensembles. He has collaborated with other musicians on multiple projects with different musical styles and led many of these groups. He has had the opportunity to play with local bands in the Phoenix area. He has also played with Phoenix Theatre, Orpheus Phoenix Male Choir, as well as The Black Theatre Troupe.

Wallace believes that music is something everyone should have access to. That’s why he loves music education. He is personally a student and wishes to continue to study not only music but everything he can for the rest of his life. He loves to work with anyone who has a passion for music, meaning he works with all ages, all backgrounds, all musical interests, and all levels of expertise.