Principal Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 2010, Ed Stephan is recognized as one of the most exciting and dynamic timpanists in the United States. He has been praised for his strong and multi-faceted playing as well as his captivating command behind the instrument . Prior to his appointment in Pittsburgh, Ed held the position of principal timpanist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and before that the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. While in Texas, he appeared twice as soloist with the FWSO and was awarded the American Airlines Distinguished Musician Award in 2006.

Ed began his percussion training at the age of 6 and spent much of his youth studying many different styles of music before settling on orchestral studies. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. He can be heard on dozens of recordings with the North Texas Wind Symphony, as well as the FWSO, DSO and PSO. While a student in Boston, Ed performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the New Haven Symphony and the National Lyric Opera, to name a few. He was a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in 2000 and 2001. 

In recent years, Ed has appeared as guest timpanist with the Chicago Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the Kansas City Symphony and the Dallas Opera Orchestra. He has served as the principal timpanist of the Crested Butte Summer Music Festival.

Ed is also in demand as a teacher and clinician. He presents regular masterclasses and clinics across the U.S. and Europe, including the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Tanglewood Music Center and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. He is a co-host and presenter at the annual Washburgh Timpani Seminar and currently serves as adjunct professor and chair of the percussion department at Duquesne University. Ed proudly endorses Adams and Pearl percussion products, Remo percussion products, Mike Balter Mallets and Luft Custom Timpani Mallets.