Steven Thomas

Steven Thomas is a Professor at the University of Florida's School of Music, specializing in cello performance and chamber music. He joined UF in 2007 after a 13-year tenure at the Hartt School, where he chaired the String and Chamber Music departments. A renowned performer, he has appeared globally as a soloist, orchestral musician, and conductor, with a repertoire spanning classical to contemporary works. His career highlights include top prizes in the Villa-Lobos and Bach International Cello Competitions, collaborations with artists like Yehudi Menuhin, and leadership roles with orchestras such as the New Haven Symphony and Yale’s Saybrook Orchestra.

Dr. Thomas holds degrees from Cambridge and Yale Universities, including a Doctorate under Aldo Parisot, and trained at the Yehudi Menuhin School. His pedagogical expertise focuses on cello technique, orchestral audition preparation, and chamber music coaching. He actively engages with underprivileged students in Brazil and has recorded for multiple music labels.

Awards:
- Villa-Lobos International Cello Competition Top Prize (Rio)
- Bach International Cello Competition Top Prize (Washington)
- Hudson Valley and Charleston Competitions.

His teaching and performance roles include mentoring students in orchestral and chamber music, alongside his administrative duties as Music Director of the Saybrook Orchestra. While primarily a music scholar, his Google Scholar publications span diverse economic analyses of Florida’s agriculture, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement.