THE MUSIC NOTE
My Story
Quinten Harkness is an award-winning saxophonist and educator, native to and primarily based in the Pittsburgh area. He is recognized for his versatility as a performer, appearing regularly as a soloist, chamber musician, and ensemble member across a wide range of musical settings.
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Mr. Harkness holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from Youngstown State University. During his graduate studies at Youngstown State, he distinguished himself as the winner of the Dana School of Music Young Artist Competition and was selected to perform at the prestigious United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, an honor reserved for exceptional emerging artists in the field.
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As a performer, Mr. Harkness has appeared with numerous ensembles and maintains an active performance schedule throughout the region. He is a regular member of the North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band and has participated in a wide variety of large ensemble, chamber, and solo performances, demonstrating both technical mastery and musical sensitivity across diverse repertoire.
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Mr. Harkness’s musical training has been shaped by esteemed pedagogues, including Dr. James Umble, Dr. Gabriel Piqué, Steven Banks, and Curtis Johnson, whose mentorship has significantly influenced his artistic development and professional approach to music-making.
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Outside of his professional pursuits, Mr. Harkness enjoys spending time with friends and engaging in a variety of recreational activities, including golf and biking. He also has a keen interest in exploring new coffee shops and sampling specialty coffees, a pastime that reflects his curiosity and appreciation for craft both within and beyond the musical world.

