Stephen has been active as a performer and teacher for more than 30 years. After completing his bachelor's degree in percussion at Wilfrid Laurier University, he moved to the Netherlands to continue his studies at the Koninklijk Conservatorium (Royal Conservatory) in The Hague, followed by further training with the Jeune Orchestre Atlantique and L'Académie Baroque Européenne d'Ambronay under conductors including Philippe Herreweghe and William Christie.

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During his 24 years in the Netherlands, Stephen worked as a timpanist and percussionist in symphonic orchestras, chamber music, and in period ensembles performing old music on authentic instruments (baroque orchestras), including Le Concert Spirituel, BarokOpera Amsterdam, and Residentie Bach Orkest. In addition to performing, Stephen also taught at various music schools in the Dutch music system, including the American School of The Hague.

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Since his return to Canada, he has been working with professional orchestras in Southern Ontario, including the Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, and Windsor Symphony Orchestras, and is delighted to now be a member of the Atelier Music Academy team.