I have had the good fortune to be associated with Chamber Music America’s New Music Institutes, which are a series of institutes across New York State providing professional development for students, professional artists, and managers in connection with the creation, performance, and promotion of new chamber music.

Last week at SUNY Potsdam, I was deeply struck by one of the faculty members: Stefon Harris. Stefon is a great jazz musician, ensemble leader, teacher, and musical citizen.

As part of his work with the institute, Stefon and his ensemble, Blackout, gave a workshop for Crane School of Music students on how to listen and identify jazz harmonies based on how the chords made them feel. I know it sounds hackneyed, but it was indeed brilliant. His approach was masterful, touching, and extremely connected to deep meaning in music.

It was an amazing example of a truly gifted musical communicator–someone who not only has the innate gift to speak directly, powerfully, and persuasively to people about what might arguably be considered abstract musical terms and concepts, but has developed his own voice and approach to connecting music to people. In other words, he has the gift for communicating verbally and through music, and has developed his own highly refined system of organization/concepts.

I know it sounds like hyperbole, but trust me, Stefon has Bernstein-like abilities in this regard.. He’s the real deal: a truly gifted musician and composer, who is also truly gifted at making music accessible to anyone.

Margaret Lioi, CEO of Chamber Music America, has been talking to me for a number of years about Stefon’s work with audiences on how to listen to jazz. This was my first chance to hear him and it was a truly remarkable. Margaret was spot on in what she had been telling me about Stefon.

I am looking forward to seeing how this great young artist continues to develop, and I hope that his gifts will be put to great use beyond simply booking him and his ensemble. I could imagine Stefon training teaching artists, or being given space on any number of performing arts series to perform and engage audiences.

And, his group is also terrific. One of the last pieces they played just took my breath away. It was Sting’s Until. Wow!

If you don’t already know Stefon Harris, I am happy to introduce him to you:

www.stefonharris.com