Stephen holds a Doctorate in Chamber Music from the University of Maryland, USA. In America, he worked closely with the Emerson and Guarneri Quartets, was violist of the Coolidge String Quartet in Washington DC, and was Associate Principal Viola of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and member of the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.
Stephen returned to Australia in 2003 to join the Australian Chamber Orchestra, touring the country and the world to critical acclaim under the direction of Richard Tognetti. As the ACO’s education representative from 2004–2011, he played a major role in developing the Orchestra’s education and emerging artist programs.