What does it take to perform with some of the biggest names in music while continuing to grow as an artist?
In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz welcomes acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator Steve Kortyka.
Many musicians know Steve as a longtime member of Brian Newman’s jazz band, touring internationally alongside Lady Gaga and the legendary Tony Bennett. Beyond his outstanding saxophone playing, Steve also contributed orchestrations and arrangements to multiple Grammy Award-winning albums, including Cheek to Cheek, Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, and Love for Sale. His work can also be heard on performances at Carnegie Hall, Saturday Night Live, and numerous high-profile events. Steve also shares the experiences that have shaped his remarkable career.
The conversation begins with Steve’s musical journey and how he measures progress as both a performer and teacher. He explains why patience, consistency, and reflection are essential for long-term growth and how teaching has influenced his own musicianship.
Steve also offers a behind-the-scenes look at performing on some of the world’s biggest stages. He discusses preparing for high-pressure shows, studying the craft of arranging, and why discipline remains essential, even for world-class musicians.
Improvisation is another major focus of the episode. Steve shares one of his biggest tips for becoming a stronger improviser and explains the musical element he believes every great solo is built upon.
The episode also covers the balance between simplicity and complexity in music, the equipment Steve currently plays, and his upcoming projects.
Whether you’re looking to improve your improvisation, gain insight into professional performance, or hear inspiring stories from a Grammy Award-winning collaborator, this episode is full of practical advice and valuable lessons.
Watch the full episode to hear Steve Kortyka’s journey, performance insights, and strategies for becoming a more confident musician.
Steve exclusively plays Boston Sax Shop mouthpieces, JL Woodwinds and Shore Sax horns and is endorsed by Applied Microphone Technologies, Neural DSP and Keyleaves.
Here’s a timestamp of the important things you should not miss!
00:00 Steve Kortyka’s musical beginnings
12:10 How to gauge your progress
13:33 His teaching experience
26:03 Simplicity vs. complexity of music process now and then
33:02 Playing with Lady Gaga and other opportunities that opened up
42:22 How Steve Kortyka’s studied the craft of writing arrangements
44:16 Required discipline and hard work especially when working with for famous people
48:29 Listen and reflect on Steve Kortyka’s solo “Love for Sale”
58:49 How to handle performing with famous people at large shows
01:04:26 Preparing for shows
01:16:37 Steve Kortyka’s huge tip for those wanting to get better with their improvisation
01:18:11 This element of music is most important when soloing
01:22:26 Equipment
01:29:00 Upcoming projects
Tune in to discover Steve Kortyka’s take on improvisation, discipline & performing at the highest level:
Steve Kortyka’s Links:
- Website: https://www.stevekortyka.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saxophonesteve
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.kortyka
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SaxophoneSteveKortyka
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/steven-kortyka
- Buy Steve’s Music: https://www.stevekortyka.com/music
- Up Tempo Sax Solo on an F Blues LIVE at SMALLS!: https://youtu.be/RamaMudW1Po?si=8aVqGq12eu4g8BLM
- It Had To Be You – Sax Solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cCscO5_4tI
- Lady Gaga Love For Sale performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2v9wUZ4Z1k&list=RDp2v9wUZ4Z1k&start_radio=1
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💡This episode is sponsored by the free Masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence
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I was so happy to see you interview Steve. Excellent play and teacher. Though we have never met, Steve is actually responsible for providing me with the roadmap that I used today to work on jazz standards. Several years back he was one of the instructors in an online program I subscribed to and I followed closely his instruction. Thanks Donna for presenting the interview and thank you Steve for helping me along my sax journey.