Artists-in-Residence

The School of Audio and Music brings nationally and internationally recognized professional musicians to Columbia for week-long residencies every semester. The artists lead workshops, master classes, and rehearsals with student ensembles in preparation for recording sessions and public performances. This year Columbia welcomes Kendrick Scott and Jonathan McReynolds.

About the 2024-25 Artists-in-Residence

Columbia will welcome two esteemed professional musicians to workshop, record, and perform with Music students as part of the 2024-25 Artists-in-Residence program: Kendrick Scott and Jonathan McReynolds. 

Kendrick Scott Residency Concerts

Dates/Times:

  • Thursday, November 14, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Friday, November 15, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 16, 8 p.m. and 10 pm
  • Sunday, November 17, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m..

Location:

  • Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago

Tickets/Cost:

  • $20 General admission (Thursday); $25 General Admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) 
  • $10 Staff, faculty, and family of performers 
  • $5 Students with ID 
  • Order tickets. 

Jonathan McReynolds Residency Concert 

Date/Time:

  • Friday, February 28, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Location:

  • The Concert Hall at the Music Center, 1014 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Tickets/Cost:

  • $20 General admission 
  • $10 Staff, faculty, and family of performers
  • $5 Students with ID
  • Order tickets.
  • About Kendrick Scott

     

    Drummer and composer Kendrick Scott was born in Houston, Texas. Scott grew up in a family of musicians and had taken up the drums by age 8. He attended Houston’s renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a school which has produced an impressive array of musical talent, including Scott’s label mates Jason Moran and Robert Glasper, as well pop star Beyoncé, among many others. While still attending HSPVA, Scott won several Downbeat student awards, as well as the Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Award from the International Association of Jazz Educators. He was later awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, where he majored in music education.

    Kendrick Scott has toured and recorded with a wide array of artists, including Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Charles Lloyd, The Crusaders, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Elling, and Terence Blanchard, on whose Grammy-winning Blue Note album, “A Tale of God’s Will” (2007), he appeared. As a bandleader, Kendrick has released Reverence (2011) and three albums with his band Oracle—"The Source” (2007), “Conviction” (2013), and “We Are The Drum” (2015). In addition to composing and performing with his band Oracle worldwide, Scott continues to be an in-demand sideman.

    He will be presenting “Corridors,” his first compositional treatment of trio context — saxophone, bass, and drums — and third album for Blue Note records. The anticipated follow-up to a “Wall Becomes a Bridge,” Scott’s much-lauded 2019 release with his band Oracle, “Corridors” unveils an exposed rumination from the Houston-born artist and his acclaimed collaborators: saxophonist Walter Smith iii and bassist Reuben Rogers.

  • About Jonathan McReynolds

    What was born in his dorm room in the presence of a few friends has graduated to Christian music’s biggest stage. Born and raised on the South side of Chicago – GRAMMY Award-winning, top selling singer, songwriter, and musician – Jonathan McReynolds is celebrated around the world for his soulful voice, soothing tone, and honest, inspirational lyrics.

    A forerunner in contemporary gospel music, Jonathan’s ability to seamlessly blend traditional and modern sonic elements, centered around thought-provoking everyday life situations, has helped create a unique and compelling style, which has become a genre all within itself. He has garnerd the support and collaboration of artists like Stevie Wonder, H.E.R., Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Maverick City Music, and India Arie.

    In addition to the GRAMMYs, McReynolds has won multiple awards including 15 Stellars, 4 Doves, and BMI’s coveted Songwriter of the Year – speaking to fact that his music continues to reach and impact diverse audiences and highly respected platforms. BMI recently awarded him with the Champion’s Award, the first one in his genre, given to honor an artist in their prime who is shifting the paradigm of his industry.

    Jonathan has earned a record six straight #1 radio singles and multiple number one albums. He recently starred in the BET Original Movie “Favorite Son” and starred as a judge in two seasons of the BET hit TV series “Sunday Best.

    Beyond his musical achievements, Jonathan is a dedicated mentor and educator—most recently holding a position as an adjunct professor at the prestigious Columbia College Chicago. Committed to using his platform to encourage personal growth and spiritual development, Jonathan continues to be a light within the music industry and the world at large through intentional living, and integrity-based principles.

     

  • Meet Select Previous Artists-in-Residence

    Cory Henry with a student

    • Three-time Grammy winner Cory Henry (above) performed and recorded with several ensembles during his second residency in 2018. Read more about his residency.

    • Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris performed with students for a live audience at Chicago’s famed Jazz Showcase. Learn about his residency in this video.

    • Singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins joined Columbia students to perform a set of classic pop and soul tunes. Learn about his residency in this video.

    • Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Joan Osborne workshopped and performed with students, sharing tips and feedback on the powerful work of songwriting.

    • Lisa Fischer was featured in the Grammy-winning 2013 documenary Twenty Feet From Stardom which told the story of the unsung heros of the music industry: backup singers. Fischer shared wisdom from her years building a reputation as a music legend in her own right.

    • Composer-musician Paula Cole shared insight with students about how to build a lasting relationship with fans by being authentic to yourself. She is the first woman in history to solely produce and receive the Best Producer Grammy nomination for her work.