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Kevin Harris is an Associate Professor in the Piano Department at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches and mentors the next generation of jazz artists. He is also an internationally recognized jazz pianist and composer, known for his innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, and for creating immersive, interdisciplinary performances that engage audiences on multiple sensory and intellectual levels.
- Master of Music (MM), Piano Performance, New England Conservatory of Music, Massachusetts (2000)
- Bachelor of Music (BM), Music Education, Morehead State University, Kentucky (1997)
Kevin Harris's research and artistic interests center on jazz piano, composition, improvisation, and the integration of music with social justice, visual arts, and spoken word. His work explores themes of identity, history, courage, and transformation, drawing inspiration from figures such as James Baldwin and Steve Biko. He is particularly known for creating large-scale compositions that bridge jazz and classical traditions, often incorporating interdisciplinary elements.
His recent compositions and albums—including Embers, Pulse, and the upcoming RESonance—reflect a deep commitment to using music as a vehicle for reflection, dialogue, and change. These works often blend improvised and fully notated music, feature collaborations with renowned artists like Terri Lyne Carrington and Jason Palmer, and are performed in prestigious venues worldwide, from the Blue Note to the Kennedy Center.
Harris has received notable recognition, including:
- Luminary, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Finalist, International Songwriter Competition
- Yamaha Jazz Piano Artist
As an educator, Harris emphasizes student-centered learning, drawing from his own roots in Black gospel and Afro-Caribbean music to inspire and cultivate individual artistic voices. He has advised numerous students and leads ensembles that foster deep musical connection and improvisational freedom. His projects have been supported by grants such as the Live Arts Boston grant, and he actively collaborates with institutions and festivals globally, including the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival. Harris is also part of the Terri Lyne Carrington ensemble and has arranged for artists like Dianne Reeves and Esperanza Spaulding.
Kevin Harris leads several performance ensembles and collaborative projects, including the Kevin Harris Project and interdisciplinary works like Roots, Water, and Sunlight. These groups serve as laboratories for creative exploration, combining jazz, classical, and spoken word elements to push the boundaries of contemporary music.
