United Bank for Africa has fine tuned arrangements for the Runway Jazz 2017 Music and Business Masterclass taking place on April 29, 2017 in the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.
Speaking in Lagos, the event convener, Mr. Afolabi Oke said the Master Class is a prelude to the Runway Jazz Concert, a special celebration of the International Jazz Day.
“The education is key as it enables the fulfillment of UNESCO’s mandate to encourage peaceful relations and foster the education, participation and creation of unity through the celebration of jazz music,” he said.
He also said Runway Jazz 2017 Music and Business Masterclass is open to individuals, groups, record labels, established and emerging musicians as well as students of music.
“It will seminar and open up dialogue that will encourage talented musicians and lovers of music to enhance their abilities and turn their gifts into profitable ventures,” he added.
The event is facilitated by George W. Russell Jr, professor and chair of the Harmony Department at Berklee College of Music, California which has produced Grammy award winners including Quincy Jones, Lalah Hathaway, Nick Baxter, as well as Nigerian talents like Tiwa Savage and Kaline Akinkugbe.
Prof. George Russell holds many accolades and is the recipient of the highest award that Berklee gives to faculty.
He served as a professor of Harmony and Piano, prior to becoming chair. He holds the Ted Pease Award for Excellence in Teaching, along with the Curriculum Development Award for the Writing Division at the Berklee College of Music.
Speaking about the event, Prof. Russell said: “Many people understand, or think they understand music, some understand business, but there is a Business of Music that when you get the formula right, will open doors that you never even knew were there in the first place.”
Najee, a Grammy Award winner and American saxophonist, who will be headlining the Runway Jazz Concert on April 30, will join the professor to facilitate the unique and inspiring Masterclass.
The Masterclass is a result of a strategic partnership with Berklee College of Music and Runway Jazz, partnered by the United Bank for Africa.
It allows participants get a better understanding of access to scholarship opportunities at Berklee College as they learn how to turn their talent and passion into business opportunities.
