top of page
  • Writer's pictureSteve Hotra

So this has been a season of learning how to play pedal steel guitar. Sometimes those lessons come on the "gig". In this case its a Sunday morning church service at Bethesda NW. As a music teacher, I find myself thinking .. if only I had a new amplifier, or another effects pedal, then I would be a good pedal steel player. No!! It takes practice, practice and practice. Its one thing to sit in your music room at home and play, but its quite another to set everything up. Including IEM, effects, extra electric guitar and no music!! Yes ... no music stand here. But it helps that I have a strong music theory background and I know how to "listen" and play to the music. Music lessons is much more than just sliding a tone bar up and down the neck of a pedal steel. Its choosing which notes to play and bend, that serve the song. I believe that learning how to play pedal steel has made me a better musician. Plus, it helps to play with amazing singers and musicians who encourage and support me. No matter how young or old ... take music lessons to get better at what you want to do in life.

19 views
  • Writer's pictureSteve Hotra

In this day and age where friends can be fleeting and leave your life, I am thankful for my friend, Nicole.

We have been playing worship music together for at least ten years.

We have served at various churches in the Vancouver Wa and Portland Oregon area.

Nicole is an accomplished musician, artist, painter, business owner and leader.

Through the up and down seasons that both of us have faced, we are able to maintain our friendship. We give each other permission to speak truth into each others lives.


Even though I am a full time music instructor, teaching guitar, voice, piano and 5 string banjo, I still "play out" when opportunities arise.


Here is a picture of us serving together at ExChange Church here in Vancouver Wa.




7 views
  • Writer's pictureSteve Hotra

Updated: Sep 11, 2018



5 views
bottom of page