Double Bass Faculty

Steven Brija

Originally from Chicago, Steven received his Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music in the studio of Scott Dixon. Before that, he studied Music Education at Belmont University and received his Bachelor of Music studying bass with Craig Nelson. Other notable teachers include Charles Paul, Tracy Rowell, and Kevin Jablonski, as well as chamber coaches Jaap ter Linden and Tracy Silverman. Steven has played with numerous ensembles around Northeast Ohio including the Firelands Symphony, Mansfield Symphony, Baldwin Wallace Opera, and the Youngstown State University Faculty Chamber Ensemble. He also appeared on the soundtracks to video games Anthem and Destiny 2, and the movie The Professor and the Madman, all recorded at Oceanway Studio in Nashville.

cÍan liaskos

Cían Liaskos graduated from Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s degree in double and electric bass performance, where he studied in the studios of both Chris Vance and Alfredo Gueirre. Cían is currently a master’s student in double and electric bass performance with a focus on jazz in the studio of Chris Vance, and is a jazz composition student of Sam Blakeslee. He has been teaching privately since 2022.

In addition to teaching, Cían is an active performer, regularly performing both locally and regionally at notable venues such as the Bop Stop, Harkness Chapel, the Beachland Ballroom, the House of Blues, and the Masonic Temple. He has performed with a multitude of jazz combos, big bands, pit orchestras, various rock groups, and symphonic orchestras. Additionally, Cían is an avid composer and leads a quintet that performs his original music. He also conducts and rehearses the Cleveland State University Big Band when he’s not performing in it. 

When it comes to teaching, Cían’s number one goal is to create a positive, creative environment for students that cultivates musical growth and a love for the bass. The student’s musical goals will guide the flow of each lesson, with Cían’s goal being to give the student the opportunity and tools to create their own musical decisions. Lessons can focus on several topics such as jazz or classical music theory, improvisation, technique, ear training, composition, sight reading, or musical analysis.