Berklee’s Gospel Performance Program Welcomes Jonathan Nelson as the Herb Alpert Visiting Artist

Berklee’s annual Gospel Performance Program will celebrate its fourth year on the Boston campus July 21–25, with special guest Jonathan Nelson(Opens in a new window) as the Herb Alpert Visiting Artist. Launched by the Africana Studies Division in 2022, the immersive five-day program is open to high school students ages 15 and older with at least six months of instrumental or vocal experience.

“The Gospel Performance Summer Program has been a phenomenal experience for so many high school students, domestic and abroad,” says Emmett G. Price III, founding dean of the Africana Studies Division. “The program, delivered by Berklee faculty, alumni, and visiting guest artists and scholars has continued to display our commitment to the elevation of gospel music as an art form and a foundational cultural expression, while also emphasizing the importance of creating pathways and portals into the industry for young people."

The weeklong program will offer ensemble rehearsals, technique-in-performance classes, gospel history discussions, and a master class led by Nelson. Additionally, there will be a presentation on the gospel music industry covering performance and business techniques while also exploring the genre's cultural relevance and its connection to contemporary music.

Classes will be led by Berklee faculty who are trained in the gospel tradition, with Mark Copeland, an assistant professor of ensemble, and Ayeisha Dennise Mathis ‘09, an assistant professor of harmony and jazz composition, as academic directors. Copeland is a pianist, organist, and keyboardist by trade who has performed with a slew of jazz greats, including Al Jarreau, Kirk Whalum, Marcus Miller, and George Duke. Boston native Mathis was born into a musical family who introduced her to various instruments, such as keys and guitar, at a young age. She is the first recipient of the college’s presidential scholarship, graduating with dual degrees in music production and engineering (MP&E) and music business/management.

Visiting artist Nelson is a contemporary gospel singer and songwriter who has won multiple Stellar Awards. He has released several albums, including Right Now Praise, Better Days, Finish Strong, Fearless, and Declarations, in his more than 20 years of performing. The Baltimore native was born into a family steeped in ministry and music and studied at the Baltimore School for the Arts. His music, which encompasses praise and worship styles, is known for its modern sound and often features elements of R&B and soul. Nelson has been recognized numerous times with Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, with his first nominations occurring simultaneously in 2008 in the categories of Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “My Name Is Victory,” and New Artist of the Year. In 2021, Nelson achieved his first number one single with “Manifest,” featuring John McClure and his ensemble Purpose, on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. 

The program will culminate in a free live concert on Thursday, July 24, with students performing and sharing the stage with Nelson. Hosted by Dr. Teresa Hairston Jackson, the event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center, located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue, in Boston. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.