About Steve Bugni

Steve Bugni was raised by a musical family in Bellevue, Washington. His Mother, Penny Bugni, is a working concert bassoonist in the greater Seattle area. She had Steve learning music on the violin at age 4. He began piano formal lessons with Anita Cummings at age 7, and remained with her until junior high. In early teenage years, Steve got his introduction to jazz from Brian Haskell. As a church organist on Mercer Island, Haskell taught Steve beginning jazz including 12 bar blues, walking bass, and major 251’s. This early introduction to jazz planted an important motivational seed for future endeavors. 

 

     He played trumpet in school bands from 5th grade through college. In the Newport high school jazz band, Steve had opportunities to perform with, and to hear outstanding jazz ensembles. At the Lionel Hampton Jazz festival, Moscow, Idaho, He heard the Ray Brown Trio with Gene Harris on the piano. Hearing Harris on the piano gave Steve a higher level of motivation. This musical catalyst launched him to embark on a musical journey that has yet to completely fulfilled. 

       Steve holds a Bachelors degree in music from Central Washington University with both choral and instrumental endorsements. His professors included concert pianist Dr. John Pickett, Dr. Eric Roth, and jazz legend: John Moawad, to name a few. Additional education, and studies include attending Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. There he studied with world renowned Brazilian pianist, Jovino Santos Neto. He played in jazz combos under the direction of Hadley Caliman, and Julian Priester; and had notable teachers including Randy Halberstadt, Chuck Deardorfe and Dave Peterson. Steve’s most recent education was at Pro Media in Los Angeles, California. There he received accreditation for Avid Pro Tools: The industry standard DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) regarding music recording, and production.