The Formative Years

I was born in Queens, NY. Although I wasn’t raised in a family of musicians, I grew up surrounded by the music my parents loved—artists like Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Nat King Cole, and other classic soul and R&B legends of the '60s and '70s.

At age eleven, I learned to play the clarinet, and within a year, I added the flute and tenor saxophone to my growing woodwind arsenal. When I was twelve, my aunt gave me a two-octave Casio keyboard, which I used to compose my first melodies. I took to composing music naturally and taught myself to play the piano to better explore my ideas and bring my compositions to life.

I auditioned for and was accepted into New York’s “Famed” LaGuardia High School for Music and Performing Arts. During those formative years, I played tenor sax in the school jazz band, bass clarinet in the concert band, and at home, I began producing music for local R&B and hip-hop artists. In my final year at LaGuardia, I shifted my focus to the newly launched Electronic Music Composition program, where I honed my craft using the latest digital tools and techniques.

Later that year, I received a scholarship to attend the Jazz Music Composition program at the Manhattan School of Music. Throughout college, I continued to compose original works while producing tracks for emerging local artists.

Image: at my home studio in 1992.—Queens NYC

At age 21, I joined the United States Army as a Photographic and Broadcast Journalist. It was there that I learned the fundamentals of photography, writing, and graphic design while serving and traveling abroad. Without much access to my musical recording equipment during those years, I turned to photography as a creative outlet.

Over the next decade, I continued capturing and creating images as I traveled throughout the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, and Europe.

Eventually, though, the call of my musical muse became too strong to ignore. I rekindled my passion for music and began work on what would become my debut album, Origins.

Image: Taking pics at the Mayan Pyramids in Tikal, Guatemala 2005

After the birth of my daughter, I would often wander through local bookstores searching for children’s books about music—especially jazz. Not finding much that captured the spirit and richness of the genre, I decided to write one myself. That first book became Kayla and Eli Discover Jazz.

I went on to write two more music-related children’s books: Music is a Rainbow and Tupi Finds His Tune (see "Searlstudio Kids"). The character of Tupi, a baby toucan from Costa Rica, was inspired by my travels through Central America, as was the music I composed to accompany the book (see “Tupi’s Fiesta”).

Image: Children's book signing event 2015.

Whether it’s composing music, writing books, or graphic design, I’ve always felt like I was born to create—it’s what brings me joy and purpose. I feel fortunate to still be inspired after all these years, and grateful to be in a position where I can pursue the things I love most.

Over time, I’ve learned that having a clear, focused creative space makes all the difference. Downsizing my recording studio setup—something I reflect on in Music and the Muse—allowed me to remove distractions and create with more intention. It’s important to me that my creative environment is a space of zen and harmony, especially now that I’m focused on crafting ambient works, and music for spiritual meditation. I strive to keep my space—and life—infused with positive energy and inspiration.

Thank you for all of your love and support!

— Stephan

If you'd like to contact me, you can do so HERE.