Educator

Educational Program

“Kevin Harris is the consummate professional! While he is clearly one of the world’s most impressive contemporary jazz pianists, I was most impressed with his professionalism as a jury member on our International Piano Competition. Kevin displayed superb knowledge of the adjudication process and was one of most collegial and fair jurors I have ever encountered. There is little doubt that Kevin fully understands both the performance and pedagogy of jazz piano at an international level. Aside from his outstanding capabilities as a performer and adjudicator, I was most impressed with his commitment to working with disadvantaged youth in South Africa. It is refreshing to find an individual at this performance and teaching level that is committed to changing the lives of disadvantaged youth through music. Kevin…..you are truly an inspiration!”

— Karendra Devroop

“During the artist workshop at Bilgi University, not only you have addressed the problems in a relatively short amount of time, but also had the appetite for a wide variety of musical styles and reminded us how constructive criticism would make a difference in the world of education.”

— Tolga Ozdemir

“The way he spoke welcomed and included us in the experience, as though we were part of the ensemble. Made me very glad to be there!”

— Angela Beeching

“ Students not only received Kevin Harris' knowledge and sensibility, but more importantly clear directions to develop one’s own ideas and make music more 'musical'. This is the direction of true music education.”

— Jungbae Kim, Provost

“The trio was very interactive and creative in its presentation of ‘communication through improvised music’. The band made the connecting similarities between communication and improvised music throughout American history. Great Job!”

— Kia Lebeau, Multicultural Specialist for Needham Public Schools, MA

Harris is in demand as a clinician, lecturer, and guest artists, consistently collaborating with both public and private organizations nationally and internationally.

Deeply committed to the teaching of America’s improvised classical music - jazz, Kevin Harris has developed a captivating educational program that is creative, entertaining, and effective.

Audiences are continually impressed with Kevin’s combination approach of playing exciting music intertwined with the discussion of historical, musical, and cultural importance of each rhythm and style. His workshops are sure to bring the participants to a higher level of musical appreciation and understanding.

After an upbringing steeped in the black gospel experience and completion of his B.A. in Music Education (Morehead State, KY), Kevin completed his Master of Music at the New England Conservatory of Music where he studied with Danilo Perez, Ran Blake, George Garzone, Cecil MacBee, Mike Cain, and Fred Hersch.

Since 2003, Harris has presented a variety of workshops: from improvisation, to musicianship, rhythm section, influence of gospel music, and ensemble dialogue, in an innovating form and with originality.

Programs are carefully structured and taught through examples of call and response, question and answer opportunities, movement with rhythm, and performance, all serving as fundamental tools to help create a well informed audience.

He is currently on the faculty at Berklee College of Music where he coaches ensembles, theory classes, piano labs, and private piano instruction. Additionally he is part of Berklee's Mentoring Program, and he leads the Berklee Piano Club.

He serves as a council member for JazzBoston, the New England Conservatory Alumni Council, and Berklee Soundboard.

His unique gift of being a talented listener, passionate improviser, lover of swing and afro-latin rhythms is highly appreciated at all his performances, workshops, and master classes.