Stephanie Shelden has a unique background of training, earning both a cello performance degree and vocal performance degree from her alma mater Wichita State University. In 2020, Stephanie completed her MM in Cello Performance from the University of North Texas where she served as principal cellist of the Baroque Orchestra with whom she performed at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2019. Her previous teachers include Leonid Shukaev, Eugene Osadchy, and baroque cellist Allen Whear. A patriot for collaborative music, she has spent time both in the pit and on stage as a soloist for operas, performing as a chamber musician with organizations such as the Lewisville Chamber Music Society, and as a continuo cellist in early music works. Stephanie graduated in 2022 with her MM in Vocal Performance from Florida State University where she received the highly competitive Latzer Performance Scholarship as well as a Teaching Assistantship. She taught FSU Musical Theatre Performance majors for the past two years, a top 10 represented program on Broadway. In 2022 and 2023, Stephanie performed as a Bonfils-Stanton Young Artist with Central City Opera in Colorado. Stephanie is and has been a passionate teacher for the past seven years and has been called “inspiring,” “motivating,” “demanding,” and “an excellent communicator” by her many students.
Education:
B.M. in Cello Performance, B.M. in Vocal Performance; WSU; M.M. University of North Texas