Clayton Stephenson

American pianist Clayton Stephenson’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power, and natural ease at the instrument. 

Growing up in New York City, Clayton credits the generous support of community programs with providing him musical inspiration and resources along the way—from Third Street Music School, Morningside Music Bridge, and Boy’s Club of New York to Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program and its Pre-College program to the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. Now, his commitment to making an impact on the world through his music-making helps define his artistic vision.

Over the past two years, Clayton became the first Black finalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, was named a Gilmore Young Artist, won the first-ever Nina Simone Piano Competition, and graduated from the Harvard-New England Conservatory dual degree program. Performance highlights include the Houston and North Carolina Symphonies; Grand Teton, Grant Park, and Tippet Rise festivals; Fondation Louis Vuitton and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall; and collaborations with violinists Nikki and Timothy Chooi in Europe and North America.