Teaching Statement

Teaching is one of the most important roles that any artist can undertake. As a teacher, one does more than just impart knowledge. Teachers play a major role creating and guiding students down a career path in accordance with their goals. It is up to the educator to encourage intellectual curiosity, create opportunities for their students, and stretch their limits. For many students, attending college is one of only a few chances to change their lives for the better. To teach is to see the students as individuals. I take this responsibility very seriously, both as a working artist and as a teacher.
One of the great joys in my life is that I get to teach students. I have had the great fortune to teach wherever I find myself, whether that is small podcasting lessons at a radio station in Ohio or teaching full courses at UC San Diego. Every class is always and rewarding. I hope to continue creating positive learning experiences in every class I teach for many decades to come.
One of the great joys in my life is that I get to teach students. I have had the great fortune to teach wherever I find myself, whether that is small podcasting lessons at a radio station in Ohio or teaching full courses at UC San Diego. Every class is always and rewarding. I hope to continue creating positive learning experiences in every class I teach for many decades to come.
Student Work
Sound Design & Composition Student Work Sample
This is a composition from a student in a 10 week Sound Design Practicum course I created and taught. They were a first time composer/sound designer who often met with me during office hours. This was used as musical material for their final project: a paper design of the the play Spring Awakening.
Unity, Blender Modeling, and Sound Design Student Work Sample
This is a short 360 video from a student who meet with me individually for a portion of their honer's thesis and took a 10 week Sound Design Practicum course I created and taught. They had never opened Unity or blender before and after ten weeks, this was their result! This is a 360 video, so click and drag to look around the room.
Student Evaulations
"Stewart really opened my eyes to a new level of sound design." - Sound Design Practicum Student 2021, UCSD
"The greatest strength was being consistent. He consistently did everything that was needed for each day. He is on top of his game, showing up on time and has a great interest in helping students if they ask." - Intro to Theater Student 2019, UCSD
"Stewart is one of the best teachers I've had at UCSD. He is very willing to help his students on whatever difficulties they might have encountered. He also acknowledges each student's own style and guides them along. You can always meet with him after class or in his OH [office hours] to learn more about music and sound design. He is enthusiastic and patient in teaching and is also very knowledgeable." - Sound Design Practicum Student 2021, UCSD
"The greatest strength was being consistent. He consistently did everything that was needed for each day. He is on top of his game, showing up on time and has a great interest in helping students if they ask." - Intro to Theater Student 2019, UCSD
"Stewart is one of the best teachers I've had at UCSD. He is very willing to help his students on whatever difficulties they might have encountered. He also acknowledges each student's own style and guides them along. You can always meet with him after class or in his OH [office hours] to learn more about music and sound design. He is enthusiastic and patient in teaching and is also very knowledgeable." - Sound Design Practicum Student 2021, UCSD

Sample Sound Design Syllabus |