Steven was born in 1983 in Plymouth, Devon into a Salvation Army family. He started learning cornet at age 8 and later percussion. By the time he was 15, he was writing and scoring pieces for small ensembles, summer schools and the youth band of which he was a member.
During his time in Plymouth Congress Hall Band, he developed his writing skills, which the band would feature regularly on their programmes. In 2003 the SA published his first piece (Praise Party!) since when many others have appeared in their journals.
He has valued mentoring and good relationships with the likes of Stephen Cobb, Kenneth Downie and others whose advice and encouragement have impacted his progress.
His music has featured regularly on ISB programmes and recordings over the past 10 years, significant works include Kerygma, The Day of the Lord and Turris Fortissima, which was written for Enfield Citadel Band’s USA tour in 2007, and subsequently received international acclaim.
Steven continues to write for the SA, but his growing reputation as a composer has also in recent years seen him receive commissions from leading bands all over the world, including the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand.