Joseph Stewart

Born, raised and educated in Buffalo, NY, until World War II, he began piano lessons at age 5, improvising and writing song at age 10, and playing in nightclubs at age 12. In 1945 Joe studied composition and piano at the Biarritz American University in southern France. Upon his return to the States, he completed his music education degree at Ithaca College (1946-50).

In the years following, Joe taught vocal and choral music at Canisius and Maryvale High Schools in Buffalo. He was also featured piano soloist with the Cheektowaga Symphony in 1966 and 1967, directed at NYSSMA clinics and conferences, and earned his Masters degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo.