STEVE YEPEZ
Flute Faculty
HEAR Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune

"He brought a passionate intensity to the role that matched the fire of Dessay's riveting Lucia."

Chicago Sun Times

"Of the soloists, the standout performance was by Ramsay, whose aria Deposuit potentes was clear, strong and sure, despite its extreme pitch range and very fleet tempo."

J. Anderson - Madison Music Review

Carnegie Hall - Verdi Requiem - The Choral Society of Grace Lutheran Church

Carnegie Hall - Verdi Requiem - The Choral Society of Grace Lutheran Church

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Steve Yepez, flute

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Start lessons with Steve below.

Flutist Steve Yépez has been performing for over thirty years, captivating audiences across the country, particularly along the West Coast and throughout the Chicago area. He has served as principal flute with several distinguished ensembles, including the SEEN Worldwide Orchestra, the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, the Northbrook Symphony, the Chicago Arts Orchestra, and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.

In addition to his active orchestral work, Mr. Yépez frequently performs chamber music with colleagues from New Music School, where he is also a member of the faculty. His versatile artistry and collaborative spirit have made him a sought-after performer in both classical and contemporary settings.

Mr. Yépez is also the founder of Collaborate in Harmony, an innovative program that adapts principles from classical ensemble playing—such as listening, communication, and synergy—to enhance teamwork and productivity in corporate and technology environments.

Mr. Yépez earned his Master of Music in Flute Performance from DePaul University and his Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from California State University, Northridge. His principal teachers include Mary Stolper (Grant Park Orchestra), Catherine Ransom Karoly (Los Angeles Philharmonic), and Sandra Kipp Iles (California State University, Northridge) . He has also performed in masterclasses with William Bennett, Walfrid Kujala, Jeanne Baxtresser, Anne Zentner, Jonathan Keeble, Eldred Spell, and Eugenia Zuckerman.

A passionate educator, Mr. Yépez brings over a decade of teaching experience to his role at New Music School. His teaching philosophy integrates technical mastery with expressive freedom, guiding students to develop both the discipline and joy essential to musical growth.

Before relocating to Chicago, Mr. Yépez taught privately in California, where he served as flute instructor at West Valley Music and A-Muse Music in Rancho Palos Verdes. He also spent four summers as a flute coach at the Burbank High School Band Camp and the Idyllwild Summer Music Festival.

Mr. Yépez takes pride in cultivating a well-structured, supportive studio environment and is committed to helping students discover their unique musical voice while building a strong technical foundation.

Getting Started with
Steve at New Music School

To start lessons with Steve, NMS will set up an initial private lesson with you. After the initial lesson, you will be given the opportunity to enroll with Steve or have another initial lesson with a different faculty member.

Please fill out the form to arrange your first lesson at New Music School.