Acclaimed Violinist Regina Carter to Speak at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Graduation, Date Set for June 11
Renowned American jazz violinist, Regina Carter, will be delivering the keynote address at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music's 2021 commencement celebration on June 11 at 4 p.m. PDT.
Carter, a GRAMMY-nominated musician, is celebrated for her versatility and contributions across multiple music genres, particularly jazz. She has achieved significant milestones, including winning a Grammy Award in 1999 for Best Jazz Vocal Album, highlighting her recognized excellence and impact in jazz music.
Beyond her success in jazz, Carter's career demonstrates a blending of musical styles, showcasing her abilities as a genre-crossing artist. She serves as a jazz advisor at NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center), indicating her role in mentoring and shaping jazz education and performance.
Carter's influence reaches into education, performance, and recording, bridging traditional jazz violin with contemporary sounds. Her unique sound transcends genres and cultures.
Eileen Strempel, the inaugural dean of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, expressed her honor that Regina Carter will be participating in the 2021 commencement celebration. O'Farrill, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, described Carter as the "quintessential musician of the future" who defines herself not by genres but by the continuum of all that connects music.
The virtual commencement celebration will feature performances by students and student remarks in addition to Carter's keynote address. Regina Carter's musical style continues to span multiple genres including jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, and others.
Carter began studying the violin at the age of 4 and trained at the New England Conservatory of Music and Oakland University in Michigan for jazz. She has performed at numerous jazz festivals and made guest appearances on albums, including "Fandango at the Wall: A Soundtrack for the United States, Mexico and Beyond," with Global Jazz Studies Professor, Arturo O'Farrill.
Regina Carter has released eight studio albums showcasing her talent and versatility as a musician since the launch of her self-titled debut album in 1995. She has toured with her own group and performed as a guest soloist with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, and Dolly Parton.
In 2018, Regina Carter was named artistic director of the New Jersey Performing Arts All-Female Jazz Residency. That same year, she received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Improvised Solo. Carter opened doors for female jazz musicians with her work.
The class of 2021 comprises of 130 graduates from the departments of ethnomusicology, global jazz studies, music, music industry, and musicology. Regina Carter expressed her excitement to recognize the class of 2021, stating that their creativity and resilience have the power to unify and facilitate healing during this unique time in history.
Join us on June 11 at 4 p.m. PDT to celebrate the graduating class and hear Regina Carter's inspiring words.
As a tribute to her versatility and contributions, Regina Carter will discuss education-and-self-development in music at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music's commencement, blending topics such as entertainment and music. Despite her renowned achievements in jazz, Carter's career stretches across various genres, making her a teacher and inspiration for those pursuing genre-crossing artists' paths.
