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Chris Stephens (born May 11, 1983) is an American multi-instrumentalist, music educator, and performer, known for his specialization in traditional music from the Middle East and Asia, which includes India, as well as American bluegrass music.

Early life and education

Chris Stephens grew up in Columbia, Missouri, where he demonstrated an interest in music from a young age. During his education, Stephens explored various musical styles, but his passion was focused on historical and traditional instruments. After hearing Bela Fleck, he was inspired to take up learning eastern music. His curiosity led him to learn instruments such as the oud, sitar, pipa, shamisen, tar, baglama, as well as the banjo, which is central to American bluegrass music. He studied sitar under Imrat Khan.

Career

Stephens is an active performer, teacher, and cultural ambassador through his educational programs, combining music with historical and geographical learning. He is renowned for his ability to perform on a wide range of instruments, including traditional instruments from Asia and the Middle East, as well as Western instruments. He has performed across the United States as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians and ensembles. His music draws from compositions across diverse regions and historical periods, showcasing his mastery of improvised musical traditions such as Maqam, Dastgah, and Raga.

A significant part of his career is the "Open Strings" program, designed as an educational platform for students of all ages. This program provides insight into global musical heritage through hands-on experiences with instruments and musical traditions, blending music with history, geography, and cultural studies. He teaches music lessons at Compass Music in Columbia, Missouri and online.

References

1. "Around the world: Chris Stephens takes listeners along on musical travels". columbiatribune.com. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
2. "One sitar player in CoMo pulls inspiration from improvisation". voxmagazine.com. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
3. ^ "Chris Stephens". compasscolumbia.org. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
4. "56 Strings : Lutes Around the World". viewcy.com. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
5. "World Music Concert with Chris Stephens". matagiri.org. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
6. "The US-China Music Institute presents Chris Stephens - World Musician". bard.edu. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
7. "Here's how Columbia celebrated its diversity, Martin Luther King Legacy". columbiatribune.com. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
8. "Chris Stephens". railtrailcaferosendale.com. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
9. "Chris Stephens - World Musician". ethnocloud.com. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
10. "CHRIS STEPHENS – WORLD MUSICIAN & OPEN STRINGS". missouriartscouncil.org. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
11. "All Our Teachers". amajormusiclessons.com. Retrieved December 17, 2024.

External links

• Official page

• 1983 births
• American bluegrass musicians
• American country banjoists