Ed Stephan, recognized as one of the most exciting and dynamic timpanists in the United States, was recently appointed principal timpanist of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Previously, Stephan held principal timpani positions with the Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Fort Worth symphony orchestras. Stephan began his percussion training at the age of six and studied at the University of North Texas and and New England Conservatory. He was a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in 2000 and 2001. In recent years, he has appeared as a guest with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Philharmonia Orchestra of London, Kansas City Symphony, and Dallas Opera Orchestra. He has served as the principal timpanist of the Crested Butte Summer Music Festival and is currently timpanist of the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Mr. Stephan regularly presents master classes throughout North America, Europe, and Asia at many of the world’s most prestigious conservatories, universities, and festivals. He is a cohost and presenter of the annual Washburgh Timpani Seminar and currently serves as chair of the percussion department at Duquesne University. Mr. Stephan proudly endorses Adams timpani, Pearl percussion products, Remo percussion products, Luft Timpani Mallets, and Mike Balter mallets.