Stefano Valdo, B.Sci, M.Mus is an experienced Performer, Studio Musician and Music Educator. Born in Northern Italy, he studied classical guitar and double bass at the local Conservatory.
In 1988 he moved to Los Angeles to study jazz arranging and composition at the Grove School of Music. After completion of the two-year program, Stefano immersed himself into the L.A. music scene and as a freelance musician for live performances and studio sessions. It was at this time that he joined the Grove School of Music Faculty, assisting noted music educator Mark Harrison in the General Musicianship and Small Group Arranging classes.
As Stefano’s reputation as an educator grew, in 1996 he joined Harrison School of Music as Bass Program coordinator. During his five years at the Harrison School, Stefano wrote the class curriculum for the Bass Program. At the same time, he kept refining his instrumental skills by taking private lessons with bassists Miroslav Vitous, Dave Holland, and Jeff Berlin and Joel Dibartolo.
In 1999, Stefano earned his Master of Music degree from California State University at Long Beach. While at CSULB, he taught theory and ear training classes for the Undergraduate Program and continued to produce, record and perform for numerous independent projects. Among them he produced and arranged a twelve-piece jazz band album entitled, “L.A. Supper Club”, and two CD’s for noted flamenco group, Sarkis Quatro for which he also served as Music Director. Among top jazz artists Stefano has performed with are: Ed Shaughnessy, Greg Bissonette, Justo Almario, Bobby Shew, Buddy Collette, Mike Whitaker, Jay Daversa, John Daversa, Jimmy Smith, Corey Christiansen, Phil Dwyer, Robi Botos and Caroll Welsman to name a few.
Stefano and his family moved to Calgary in 2006 where he keeps a busy schedule performing and recording for television and radio commercials and various independent artists. Among performance credits are various appearances with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Stage West music productions. Since 2008 he has been educating aspiring young jazz musicians at Ambrose University where he has been appointed as Jazz Program Coordinator conducting jazz ensembles, the Ambrose University Jazz Band and teaching jazz theory and jazz composing classes. In addition to the Ambrose University commitment he is currently working as clinician for several Junior High and High Schools both in the CBE district and surrounding areas. Stefano has been part of the Vic Lewis Band Festival faculty since 2011.
His latest jazz/ fusion project, The Moving Instant has gained national and global attention since the release of the first self- titled CD.