Dr Loy completed his doctoral studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The University of Sydney, in 2006, examining connections between the late 1960s avant-garde and the classical tradition of Beethoven. Other research interests include the music of Brahms, and popular music of the 1960s and 1970s. He has lectured in music theory, aural skills and critical and historical musicology at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the University of New South Wales. Dr Loy is currently Lecturer and Honours Convenor at the ANU School of Music.

Stephen is the Associate Dean (HDR) in the COllege of Arts & Social Sciences from 2017.