Stephen Upshaw ‘10 Featured in The Strad Magazine
Violist Stephen Upshaw '10 was recently featured in The Strad, the acclaimed online magazine for string musicians, in an article that highlights key lessons from his musical journey. The piece explores his development as an artist, the impact of influential mentors, and his approach to building a meaningful and multifaceted career in music.
At NEC, Upshaw studied with Carol Rodland and Martha Katz. These formative years deepened his understanding of body awareness and ensemble playing. Rodland’s teaching emphasized physical freedom and efficiency, while Katz, as a founding member of the Cleveland Quartet, offered invaluable insight into the demands of chamber music. This experience played a key role in Upshaw’s later decision to pursue a professional quartet career, equipping him with both practical tools and a strong sense of the quartet lifestyle.
Drawn to creative paths beyond traditional performance, Upshaw later continued his studies at London’s Guildhall School with violinist David Takeno. This experience encouraged a broader view of musicianship, where being a musician takes precedence over instrument-specific identity. His time in London also supported his interest in contemporary music and more self-directed projects.
“For young players, I’d recommend using your time at university as a laboratory – to experiment with all the ideas you have. You’ll never have that amount of time and resources simultaneously again. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a better idea of where to go when you enter professional life.”
Through this feature in The Strad, Upshaw offers a compelling example of how a musician’s path can blend discipline, curiosity, and individuality. His story underscores the value of mentorship, artistic openness, and finding connections between musical practice and the broader creative world.
