The New Mexico Music Commissioners

Claude Stephenson, Vice Chairman

Claude Stephenson has been the Folk Arts Coordinator and the State Folklorist at New Mexico Arts for thirteen years. He obtained his Ph.D. in American Studies at the University of New Mexico in 2001 and wrote his dissertation on the music of Matachines dance groups of New Mexco.

He has been a working musician all of his adult life and is an award-winning mandolinist. He continues to perform in concerts and at festivals throughout the Southwest.

He worked in live radio promoting local New Mexican musicians between 1979 and 1992, and as a DJ playing folk music, including local performers, since 1982.

Dr. Stephenson grew up in Alamogordo and has been a resident of Albuquerque’s South Valley since 1971.