Severin has been teaching and performing music for 25 years, holding an MA in Music Composition for California Institute of the Arts and a PhD from UCLA. Working in grade schools, high schools, colleges, and privately, he has experience working with people of all ages and walks of life. He is well versed in jazz as well as standard university level theory and also has extensive experience teaching theory and composition to very young children. Although mainly a theory and composition teacher, his interests are broad and he has been a lifelong scholar in many areas, including languages, history, and the sciences. Along with teaching Severin maintains an active performing life, working with diverse musical groups, such as Middle Eastern music ensembles, jazz, gospel, classical, and folk ensembles, plus providing music for theater groups. On his last trip to South Korea, he was music director for the opening of the 2010 Gwacheon Theater Festival. He is currently working on a commission to compose a concerto for Komungo and Orchestra. He uses a diverse set of teaching approaches, maintaining a relaxed and personal attitude.
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