15 Facts About Stephen Magnusson

Stephen John Magnusson was born on 13 February 1969 and is an Australian guitarist.

Stephen Magnusson is known for his work as an improviser and has worked with the Australian Art Orchestra, and Elixir and Katie Noonan, Charlie Haden, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ricki Lee Jones, Sinead O'Connor, John Cale, Gurrumul Yunupingu, Paul Grabowsky, Vince Jones, Christine Sullivan, Megan Washington, Paul Kelly, Mike Nock, Barney McAll, Enrico Rava and Arthur Blythe among others.

In 2013, Magnusson was awarded the Melbourne Prize for Music Outstanding Musician Award.

Stephen Magnusson began playing musical instruments at age three when he was given a ukulele.

Stephen Magnusson started to formally study improvisation under Gordon Pendelton at Box Hill TAFE in 1985.

In 1986, Stephen Magnusson began his formal training at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts.

Stephen Magnusson practiced improvisation and composition, joining various bands and exploring many styles, developing an understanding of the mechanics of his instrument and the art of improvisation.

Stephen Magnusson both played and taught across Europe and performed regularly with SNAG and other ensembles.

In 1999, Stephen Magnusson was nominated for the Swiss Fellowship award.

At the 2000 National Jazz Awards, Stephen Magnusson won the National Jazz Award.

In 2001, Stephen Magnusson returned to Europe, touring throughout Germany and Switzerland.

Stephen Magnusson has had three compositions added to The Australian Jazz Real Book and in 2013 the Melbourne Prize Trust awarded Stephen Magnusson the Outstanding Musician Award.

In 2012, Stephen Magnusson formed the four piece improvisational group called Magnet.

Stephen Magnusson has had three compositions added to The Australian Jazz Real Book and in 2013 the Melbourne Prize Trust awarded Stephen Magnusson the Outstanding Musician Award.

In 2013 at the Australian Jazz Bell Award, Stephen Magnusson won Best Contemporary Jazz Album with his quartet MAGNET.