Steven Partida is a Texas native, born and raised in New Braunfels, TX. Going through the New Braunfels Band program, percussion instruments have been a part of his life since the sixth grade. Steven acquired many accolades and leadership positions throughout his adolescent music career, and studied under Brad Arnold and Melissa Townsend.

Steven then went on to continue his studies of music at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Music Education as a music department scholarship recipient. While at UTSA, Steven was involved with the Marching Band, Pep Band, Steel Drum Ensemble, Marimba Group, Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, various other groups performing with the Choir and New Music Ensembles, as well as leading the UTSA Percussion Studio as Vice President and then President. Steven studied under Sherry Rubins and Dr. Graeme Francis during his undergraduate career. Furthermore, Steven received many accolades in performance opportunities, including being chosen as guest Marimba Soloist with the UTSA Chamber Choir, as well as being a performer at PASIC several times – most notably as a member of the 2015 PASIC All-Star Ensemble under the direction of Michael Burritt. Also during his undergraduate education, Steven taught several seasons of marching percussion at various high schools, as well as various levels of private lessons to percussion students.

Next, Steven went on to graduate with his Masters of Music in Percussion Performance from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, where he studied with John Tafoya, Kevin Bobo, Steve Houghton, and Michael Spiro. He awarded the Associate Instructorship, giving him the chance to direct a percussion ensemble, teach collegiate classes, as well as continue to give various percussion private lesson instruction. During his time at Indiana, Steven was involved with a professional percussion quartet “Four/One,” giving masterclasses, performances, and premieres of works throughout the state of Indiana. 

Steven now resides in San Antonio, TX, and is the Assistant Band Director/Percussion Coordinator at John Marshall Harlan High School. Steven is also pursuing performing opportunities throughout the greater San Antonio area.