Lessons from a Jazz Master

Acclaimed bassist and bandleader Christian McBride, a six-time Grammy Award winner, inspired student musicians at the Cali Immersive Residency, a professional residency program of rotating solo artists and ensembles at the John J. Cali School of Music.

McBride headlined events including a master class and Cali Conversation, a series at the John J. Cali School of Music that engages the University’s visiting world-class artists in discussions largely centered around arts education, teaching and learning.

“Primarily, I want our students to see their musical heroes as human beings who had to deal with many challenges in their journey, and I want them to hear how fellow artists perceive the education ecosystem surrounding us,” says Cali School Director Anthony J. Mazzocchi. “All it takes is one moment from one conversation to unlock something for our students here.”

McBride is a respected educator and host of NPR’s Jazz Night in America. He is also co-music educator with his wife, vocalist Melissa Walker at Montclair Township’s Jazz House Kids.

Each weekly residency includes individual and ensemble coaching, seminars, guest lectures, public discussions, campus-wide presentations and community events. Looking ahead, the Cali School will present through November 6, the American string quartet Cavani Quartet; and November 8 – 10, the acclaimed musician and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, Rhiannon Giddens.

Learn more about the public events at the John J. Cali School of Music and the co-hosted Bridges Series concerts at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City.

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