For over ten years, Stephen has been teaching music to children and adults, many of whom have gone on to become performers and teachers themselves.

Born in Jonquière, Québec, he began playing guitar at the age of ten years while living in Dundas, Ontario. Further studying brought him to London, Ontario and to Montreal, where he studied classical guitar. In Toronto, Parton also studied fingerstyle guitar with Canada's premier acoustic guitarist, Don Ross. Classical guitar instructors have included masters Alexander Dunn, Davis Joachim and Norbert Kraft.

Parton has composed for, and performed on guitar several times as a soloist with the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra. He still plays professionally as a session guitarist (live and studio), in the Avalon String Ensemble, and as a soloist. Steve's guitar work has graced over a dozen albums.