Steve started performing in High school with both classic rock and country bands. He began studies in reading, rudiments and latin beats shortly before entering Shasta Community College. There he majored in music joining the big band, jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble and symphony with highlight performances at Reno Jazz Festival.
After relocating to the North Bay, Steve was involved in several original rock groups recording demos and participating in Battle of the Bands competition as well as opening for headlining acts. To delve further into other styles, lessons were taken in jazz from Colin Bailey and Jimmy Robinson. Brazilian and Afro-cuban with Mike Curroto and African drumming from Kwaku Dwade at UCSF. As a result he pursued more complex music with several bands in fusion, jazz and latin-jazz styles from 4pc. combos to 15pc. Swing band.
His live performances have included notable bassist Tony Saunders (David Crosby),
Ron Perry (Susan Tedeski), Chuck Trujillo (John Lee Hooker), Don Bassey (Volker Strifler Band); guitarist Levi Loyd (Joe Lewis Walker).
Of late Steve has enjoyed performing with an all original group called “the Neutrals”, a jazzy blues/swing group the” Michelle Michaels trio”, a rock/blues band “Nuclear Blonde”, and the latest group called “the Don’s” are performing Americana/roots covers and originals. Additional performances in 2009 included “Seusical” the musical and the Big Band class both at Napa Community College.
In the last few years Steve reactivated his love for passing on the art of drumming
and has been busy teaching throughout the North bay area. He has also started up a Drum rental service originally called Drumzone, and is now known as
Steve Trovao Drums. He likes to discuss whatever needs a client may have about tuning, head selection, cymbals and snare drum preferences for their next studio recording or concert gig.