The future of music, made here.

Clayton Stephenson ’23 NEC/Harvard Wins 2022 Gilmore Young Artist Award

November 22, 2021

Clayton Stephenson

Stephenson, who studies piano performance and economics in the NEC/Harvard dual-degree program, is one of two recipients of this prestigious award.

Pianist Clayton Stephenson ’23 NEC/Harvard has been named as one of two recipients of the 2022 Gilmore Young Artist Award.

Stephenson and fellow recipient Janice Carissa will each receive a $15,000 stipend to further their musical careers and educational development, as well as $10,000 towards the commissioning of a new piano composition for which the artist will have exclusive performance rights for one year. The pianists will also give solo recitals and orchestral performances during the 2022 Gilmore Piano Festival in Kalamazoo—April 24 through May 15, 2022.

Executive and Artistic Director of The Gilmore, Pierre van der Westhuizen, commented:

“Seeing and hearing Stephenson play immediately reminds you of another element of youth: a sense of wonder. In addition to his technical abilities, he has managed to find his own creative voice early on and to maintain it.”

Stephenson studies economics at Harvard and piano performance at NEC with Wha Kyung Byun.

You can watch the virtual award presentation featuring Stephenson and Carissa in conversation with Jonathan Biss, a 2002 Gilmore Young Artist Award recipient and current Mildred Levinson Piano Artist-in-Residence at NEC, with performances by the recipients.

Read more from the Gilmore

recent news
NEC Faculty Member Nima Janmohammadi Curates New Apple Music Playlist in “The Syllabus” Series

August 25, 2026

NEC Faculty Member Nima Janmohammadi Curates New Apple Music Playlist in “The Syllabus” Series

Read More
NEC Adopts Collaborative, Co-equal President/CEO Leadership Model

August 24, 2026

NEC Adopts Collaborative, Co-equal President/CEO Leadership Model

Read More
Practice and Persistence: Oboist and NEC Alumnus Kip Zimmerman on His Road to the BSO

August 12, 2026

Practice and Persistence: Oboist and NEC Alumnus Kip Zimmerman on His Road to the BSO

Read More
  • NEC Faculty Member Nima Janmohammadi Curates New Apple Music Playlist in “The Syllabus” Series

    August 25, 2026

    NEC Faculty Member Nima Janmohammadi Curates New Apple Music Playlist in “The Syllabus” Series

  • NEC Adopts Collaborative, Co-equal President/CEO Leadership Model

    August 24, 2026

    NEC Adopts Collaborative, Co-equal President/CEO Leadership Model

  • Practice and Persistence: Oboist and NEC Alumnus Kip Zimmerman on His Road to the BSO

    August 12, 2026

    Practice and Persistence: Oboist and NEC Alumnus Kip Zimmerman on His Road to the BSO

  • Through Residencies, NEC Students Enrich Lives and Find Purpose

    August 10, 2026

    Through Residencies, NEC Students Enrich Lives and Find Purpose

  • Expanded Education Department Welcomes Inaugural Director of Choirs Michele Adams

    July 27, 2026

    Expanded Education Department Welcomes Inaugural Director of Choirs Michele Adams

  • Upcoming Concert Season Showcases Dynamic NEC Community and Distinguished Guest Artists 

    July 15, 2026

    Upcoming Concert Season Showcases Dynamic NEC Community and Distinguished Guest Artists