Steven was born in Melbourne and has participated in banding for nearly 40 years. Inspired by his father Keith Ford and under the instruction of his Uncle Ray Hines has achieved many significant highlights along the way in his musical journey.

Several of these include being awarded National Tuba Champion in 1978 along with being 8 times State Champion on either (Euphonium or Tuba) and numerous 1st placings in local area competitions and eisteddfods.

At the age of 14 Steve had the privilege of being selected to be part of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra that saw him touring Europe and the UK for six weeks in 1973. In later years he was fortunate again to travel to the UK playing with the Darebin Band (formally know as the Preston Municipal Band) who participated in the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Invitation Contest.

From 1990-96 Steve was employed by Ivanhoe Grammar (Mernda campus) and the Education Department of Victorian as a brass music specialist. In 2001 Steve received the overwhelming honour of being selected on EEb Tuba in Australia's Band World Magazine "Band of the Century".

In his other vocation outside Banding Steve has a Diploma of Ministry (Christian Ministry) and has served as an Assistant Pastor in charge of Worship Music in various local Christian Churches.