Stefano Valdo, MMus

Stefano Valdo is an experienced Performer, Studio Musician and Music Educator.  Born in Northern Italy, he studied classical guitar and double bass at the local Conservatory.

While attending the University of Architecture in Venice (Italy), Stefano formed the pop-rock band “CANTON”, who signed a three year contract with Arista Records.  During this period, the band released several singles.  One of them reached the top-twenty charts in Italy with 250,000 copies sold.

In 1990 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 Chair of the Bass Department.  During his five years at the Harrison School, Stefano wrote the 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.

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, and Jimmy Smith. 

Stefano and his family moved to Calgary in 2006 where he keeps a busy schedule performing and teaching jazz ensembles and jazz theory classes at Ambrose University.