Born in Bremerhaven, Stefan Kittlaus received his first timpani and drum lessons at the age of 5, studying with Hermann Otersen, former principal timpani of the Stadttheater Bremerhaven.
After joining various states and federal youth orchestras, he begun formal studies at the Musikhochschule Hannover with Professor Albert Schober at the age of 16.
After the completion of his community service and a semester at the Musikhochschule, he was appointed Principal Timpani of the Staatsorchester Hannover.
Highlights of his career include freelancing with the Bayerischen Staatsorchester under Zubin Mehta, Mahler Chamber Orchestra under Claudio Abbado and Gustavo Dudamel, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra under Lorin Maazel, and going on various tours and concerts with the Dresden Philharmonic under Frühbeck de Burgos and Michael Sanderling.
Kittlaus begun his permanent engagement as the Principal Timpanist of the Dresden Philharmonic from the 2015/16 concert season.