A Jazz Homecoming

As a 2019 graduate of the Jazz Studies master’s program, I had the honor of leading the Jazz at Lincoln Center ensemble from the piano in The New Orleans Songbook. This concert celebrates the birthplace of jazz with timeless works by Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and others held at the Wharton Center.

My time at Michigan State University was shaped by a deep sense of community and collaboration. I learned so much from my peers, many of whom have gone on to become my colleagues in New York City. The faculty at MSU remain continued sources of inspiration, offering support that set me up for success not only after graduation but throughout my time in the program.

Much of the foundation of my musicianship was built under the guidance of mentors such as Dr. Rodney Whitaker, Randy Gelispie, Xavier Davis, and others. The MSU faculty were among the first major artists I had the opportunity to work with professionally, and those experiences helped ease my transition into the broader music scene after college.

What I miss most about being on campus is having so many mentors and close friends within reach — people whose presence and insights shaped my artistic development. To current students, I’d encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you. Think about your goals beyond graduation and use your time at MSU to prepare as fully as possible for the path ahead.

Since graduating, I’ve had the privilege of performing for audiences around the world. In 2024, I was honored to receive a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance alongside Samara Joy, and I released my debut album, which has been met with critical acclaim.

My time at Michigan State University was truly transformative. As a member of the Jazz Studies program, I was welcomed into a close-knit community of individuals who were not only passionate about making music but also committed to supporting one another. The academic environment challenged me in the best possible ways, while the beauty of the campus introduced me to a new and inspiring setting.

The core values of the Jazz Studies program — community, mentorship and a deep reverence for the Black American roots of jazz — have profoundly shaped my approach to my professional career. Now based in New York, I prioritize creating and participating in musical environments that reflect these principles. I actively seek out and contribute to spaces where these values thrive. Many of my closest friends from MSU remain vital collaborators in my musical journey, and I am deeply grateful for those enduring connections.

As a bassist I have had the privilege of performing across the country, collaborating with remarkable artists and contributing to the next generation of jazz education. This moment is especially meaningful as I come home to MSU, the place where my artistic path began. Sharing the stage at the Wharton Center with a fellow MSU Jazz Studies alumnus during our performance of Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: New Orleans Songbook made the experience even more meaningful.