Ellen C. Stephens received her Bachelor of Music in cello performance from the Middle Tennessee State University and her Master of Music in cello performance from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. She currently is the Director at the Immanuel School of Music and conducts the award-winning Youth String Orchestra, and Youth Sinfonia. Stephens also leads outreach string programs in the local elementary schools for Northern Kentucky. Additional pedagogical experience includes director of the Strings Division and cello faculty at Northern Kentucky University Music Preparatory Department, the Saint Xavier High School String Ensemble and several String Ensembles at the Wyoming String Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio.

An active soloist and chamber musician, Stephens performs in the tri-state area several times a year with the Southbank Quartet. Other performances include cellist with the Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy, Dayton Symphony, Springfield Symphony, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Stephens has also been the featured soloist with the Seven Hills Sinfonietta. 

In addition to teaching and performing, Ellen Stephens is one of the founding members of the Immanuel School of Music.  Since 2010, Stephens has been dedicated to providing quality music education to the tri-state area through ISM. Stephens continues her outreach to the community through special projects such as the Julia Bartles Concerto Competition and the Southbank Quartet.  Stephens believes that music is a gift for life and strives to give this beautiful contribution back to the community’s youth.

Fun Fact:  Mrs. Stephens’ favorite things in life are her family, ice cream, pencils, and peaceful hikes.

Ellen became the Director of the Immanuel School of Music in February of 2024 She has been the strings coordinator / director, and the heartbeat of our school of music since its inception.