Stephen studied under Jack Brymer at the Guildhall School of Music as a clarinettist and under Christopher Adey and Edwin Roxburgh at the Royal College of Music as a conductor. Three summers taking part in conducting masterclasses at Dartington Summer School led Diego Masson to describe him as "one of the most gifted conductors I have ever met".

He now leads an extremely broad and varied life as a musician conducting and playing throughout Britain and abroad in concert venues and for television and radio. He is founder and director of Talkestra, a group (aimed at the reluctant concert goer) promoting the pleasures of concert music; a member of and composer for the zany jazz band Itchy Feet; director of the wind band course at Dartington Summer School; a member of the Tacet Ensemble, playing and conducting music of the avant garde; a regular performer for New Music Brighton, the largest composer's collective in the country and a regular member of Juan Martin's flamenco band, featuring on the highly acclaimed album 'Musica Alhambra'.

Future projects include 'The Marriage of Figaro' in America and working with Harrison Birtwhistle on a programme of his music at Dartington Summer School.

Stephen is also an avid West Ham United supporter, but we don't hold that against him. He is also partial to a pint of best bitter!