Sphinx 2025 Medal of Excellence Honoree

American pianist Clayton Stephenson captivates audiences with his joyous charisma, expressive power, and natural ease at the piano. Celebrated for his "extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts" and interpretations that are "fresh, incisive, and characterfully alive" (Gramophone), Clayton is dedicated to making a significant impact through his music.

At age seven Clayton joined The Juilliard School’s Music Advancement Program, a full scholarship initiative for under-represented students, at age eight.  By age ten, with support from his teacher Beth Nam, who offered free extra lessons, he advanced to Juilliard’s elite Pre-College program, studying under renowned instructors. 

Clayton credits community programs for providing inspiration and resources. The Third Street Music School jump-started his education, the Young People’s Choir taught him phrasing and voicing, and Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program introduced him to rigorous training. The Morningside Music Bridge elevated his confidence, the Boy’s Club of New York exposed him to jazz, and the Lang Lang Foundation transformed him into a young artist.

In 2023, Clayton graduated from the Harvard-New England Conservatory (NEC) dual degree program, earning a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in piano performance. His accolades include being the first Black finalist at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, 2022 Gilmore Young Artist, 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and 2025 Sphinx Medal of Excellence honoree.

Recent highlights include performances with the Houston, North Carolina, and Cincinnati Symphonies, appearances at Grand Teton, Grant Park, and Tippet Rise festivals, and recitals at Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center, Fondation Louis Vuitton, and Carnegie Hall.

Mr. Stephenson appears by arrangement with the Cliburn.