STEPHEN ALAN SHEPARD, violin, began playing at the age of six. He studied first with Ruth Ann Trucale Muse, later with Irene Berndt and finally with Charles Stegeman. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Iowa, with a Master’s degree and artist's diploma from Duquesne University. He has performed with the Westmoreland, Altoona and Wheeling Symphonies, as well as the Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestra.