About Me

Demetrius playing bass

I am a jazz musician and teacher. From classic jazz standards suitable for an elegant cocktail hour, to high-energy swinging tunes for dancing, I can create a combo designed to meet the needs of your club or event. Listen to samples of some of the types of groups I can put together. Contact me to put together a duo, trio, quartet, large group or whatever you require. Or visit me on Facebook to see where I'll be performing.

I am also available for private lessons on a variety of instruments, my specialties being upright bass and saxophone, and I instruct ensembles from small groups to big bands. Contact me for availability.

Professional Background

Saxophone closeup

I received my Undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies and a Masters in Music, String Performance from Bowling Green State University. I currently serve as a member of the Jazz Studies faculty at Tri-C, and as an instructor for the jazz preparatory program through the Arts Prep program. I have instructed in bass and saxophone at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio, and in bass at Bowling Green State University. I have also been recorded on Cadence records.

I can be seen and heard around town with my group, the Demetrius Steinmetz Band, as well as performing with the Dukes of Wail, Joe Hunter, Ernie Krivda and the Fat Tuesday Big Band, Dave Sterner, the Ray Porrello Trio and more.

Influences include Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, Gary Peacock, Charlie Haden, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Keith Jarrett, Ray Charles, Dexter Gordon, Bobo Stenson Trio and Jeff Halsey (my bass teacher and friend).