NEC Concert Artist Clayton Stephenson ’24 Harvard/NEC, ’27 AD Featured on Performance Today

NEC Concert Artist Clayton Stephenson ’24 Harvard/NEC, ’27 AD, recently appeared on American Public Media’s Performance Today as a Young Artist-in-Residence. A behind-the-scenes feature documented Stephenson’s appearance on the program.

Stephenson’s musical journey began with piano lessons in Brooklyn, where his first teacher encouraged him to develop a love for music. He went on to complete a dual degree in piano performance and economics at Harvard University and NEC. In 2022, he became the first Black finalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Subsequent honors include an Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2024 and a Sphinx Medal of Excellence in 2025.

As an active concert pianist, Stephenson has appeared with orchestras including the Houston, North Carolina, Virginia, and Cincinnati Symphonies, and has performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center and New York’s 92nd Street Y. He is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at NEC under the guidance of Wha Kyung Byun '74 MM. 

Amazing work, Clayton!