Stephen Gates, Professor of Music, graduated from Harvard College with a major in psychology. During college he played with the Boston Opera Company, the Boston Philharmonia, and the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Dr. Gates received the Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music where he studied with Aldo Parisot and was Assistant Principal Cellist of the New Haven Symphony. 

Dr. Gates has attended international master with Pierre Fournier and Andre Navarra. He earned the Doctorate from the University of Texas where he studied with Paul Olefsky. While at the University of Texas, Mr. Gates was the cellist in the Austin Piano Quartet, and appeared with the Southwest Texas Baroque Ensemble, as well as co-founding Trio Amade, a piano trio. 

Dr. Gates performs as a guest artist with the Music Festival of Arkansas, and is a founding member of the Ozark Chamber Players.