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Steve DeFuria began as a carpenter while playing keyboards in local bands and then went on to programming synthesizers for the stars, teaching at Berklee College of Music, authoring 15 books on the creative use of music technology. Became the synth programmer and software coder for Frank Zappa, product developer and operation director at Lexicon and Line 6 Amps… you want more?
Watch this episode of On Location and learn how Steve accomplished so much and listen as he shares how you can climb to the same heights.
Key Takeaways:
- Joe Scacciaferro interviews Steve DeFuria, a programming expert and “keyboard wizard” with extensive experience working with various artists.
- Joe and Steve recount how they first met at a New Jersey music store, where Steve sold keyboards and Joe worked as a repair tech, bonding over curiosity and problem-solving.
- Steve’s deep synthesizer knowledge led him into teaching synthesis and doing professional work as a synth programmer for artists.
- A major turning point was Steve impressing Frank Zappa with a program that could manipulate notes on a synthesizer, which directly led to a job offer working for Zappa.
- The conversation emphasizes a mindset of embracing new technical challenges, adapting to industry change, and pushing the boundaries of music technology.
- They also connect personally over shared Italian heritage and a mutual passion for exploring what music tech can do.
