Raymond Thompson Jackson

Raymond Jackson, Professor of Music at Howard University, Washington, DC, has taught and served in administrative capacities since 1977. A life dedicated to music began in Providence, Rhode Island, where he received piano instruction from age five. Early mastery of the keyboard expanded six years later when study of the organ, along with the piano, helped inspire a major career as concert pianist and recording artist; scholar; researcher, teacher and coach; church organist and choral conductor, lecturer, clinician and adjudicator. From this genesis his talents, performances and achievements have been recognized, sought after, and heralded in many parts of the world—from East to West, from the Americas, Europe, Russia and the West Indies.

Advanced musical studies began at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in piano. He has the distinction of being the first in Conservatory history to simultaneously graduate first in his class, summa cum laude, receive the George W, Chadwick Medal, and perform as graduation soloist with the Conservatory Orchestra. In 2005, in recognition of his lifetime achievements, he received its Outstanding Alumni Award. A few more lines of text to go here. A few more lines of text to go here. A few lines of text to go here. A few lines of text to go here. A few lines of text to go here.

At the prestigious Julliard School , studying with artist-teacher Beveridge Webster, Sascha Gorodnitzki and Ania Dorfmann, he earned Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees. His doctoral dissertation, The Piano Music of Twentieth Century Black Americans, and the 3-volume compilation, Black Composers: Their Lives and Piano Music, are important resources for the keyboard works of African-American composers. Through much of the Western world his pioneering efforts have introduced these comparatively unknown composers and works in recitals, lecture recitals and recordings.

Dr. Jackson has been recipient of numerous awards, as well as top prizes in national and international piano competitions. These include the Marguerite Long International Concours (Paris, France), the Tenth International Piano Competition (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), the National Association of Negro Musicians Piano Competition (Champaign, Illinois) and the J.U.G.G. , Inc. New York Town Hall Debut Award. Such achievements earned for him the distinction of being the first African-American, first musician and youngest person from his native state elected into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. He is also an honorary member of Providence’s prestigious Chopin and Chaminade Clubs.

With symphony orchestras and as solo artist in major concert halls, he continues to receive ovations and the acclaim of audiences and critics. As an artist-teacher he received the Howard University Faculty Excellence Award. In 2005 he was presented with The Thomas and Birdie C. Smith Arts Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement as a Concert Pianist and Music Educator. With his wife, Inez, he formed The Jackson Foundation and The Raymond Jackson Scholarship and Mentoring Program for Gifted Pre-College African-American Pianists. His pedagogical skills have trained and guided numerous young pianists to be accepted into major music schools and become prizewinners in local and national piano competitions.