Acclaimed Violinist, Regina Carter to speak at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music graduation on June 11
Renowned 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. The virtual event will also feature student performances and remarks.
Carter, a GRAMMY-nominated musician, is celebrated for her mastery of her instrument and for expanding artistic possibilities through her work. Her musical style spans multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, and others, creating a unique sound that transcends genres and cultures.
In 2018, Carter was named artistic director of the New Jersey Performing Arts All-Female Jazz Residency, and she opened doors for female jazz musicians with her work. She has also been acclaimed for her collaborations with a wide range of artists across genres, reflecting her deep respect for jazz heritage and her familial musical background.
Carter's keynote address is expected to empower and inspire students as they continue their studies and embark upon their careers. She will speak to issues facing music making today, including diversifying the pool so that all are invited to the table regardless of race, gender, preference, ethnicity, or aesthetic.
The class of 2021 at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music comprises 130 graduates from the departments of ethnomusicology, global jazz studies, music, music industry, and musicology.
Eileen Strempel, the inaugural dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, expressed her excitement about Carter's participation in the commencement celebration. Carter has also won multiple readers' and critics' poll awards from leading industry publications such as DownBeat and JazzTimes.
In addition to her work as a soloist, Carter tours with her own group and has performed as a guest soloist with artists like Mary J. Blige, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, and Dolly Parton. Carter is the recipient of the MacArthur "genius" and Doris Duke Artist Awards.
Arturo O'Farrill, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the 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.
Carter's performance at the virtual commencement celebration is set to be a memorable event, blending student performances, student remarks, and Carter's inspiring keynote address.
Education-and-self-development opportunities for the class of 2021 at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music extend beyond their graduation celebration, as renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter advocates for a more diverse and inclusive music industry. Carter's music transcends multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, and others, making entertainment an integral part of both her career and her ideals.
