Sterling is iron chef of the eight string with a passion for music and a pursuit of perfection.

Sterling has been musically mentored by Rick Morton since the age of eight when he first took guitar lessons from him. Within a year, he became interested in the mandolin and started playing it at the age of nine.

Ricky Skaggs cultivated Sterling's interest in bluegrass music when his dad took him to see Ricky play at the age of eight. Today, other major influences include Sam Bush, Chris Thile, Mike Marshall, and Andy Leftwich.

Sterling: Several years ago, Sam Bush told me "never lose the fun in your playing"  - I strive to remember that when I practice and step on stage.