A native of Northern California, composer and jazz pianist Steven Gates went on to attend the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music. He received his Masters degree in Music Composition from the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, where he is currently teaching and pursuing a Doctoral degree. His primary instructors have been Donald Crockett, James Hopkins, and Frank Ticheli. Steven Gates has received national recognition for his works, including honors from the Tampa Bay Composers' Forum, Austin Peay State University, and USC. He has been commissioned by the Chamber Music Conference of the East, L.A. Sound Circle, and the San Bernardino County Music Educator's Association. His music was featured on the 2004 Music at the Anthology festival in New York City, and through their First Music program, the New York Youth Symphony recently commissioned and premiered Gates' Among Joshua Trees in Carnegie Hall. He currently resides in Pasadena, California.