The future of music, made here.

Jazz Faculty Billy Hart Named 2022 NEA Jazz Master

July 20, 2021

Billy Hart

The legendary jazz drummer was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts alongside Stanley Clarke, Cassandra Wilson, and Donald Harrison Jr., in the 40th anniversary year of the award.

Legendary jazz drummer and NEC jazz faculty member Billy Hart has been named a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, alongside other honorees Stanley Clarke, Cassandra Wilson, and Donald Harrison Jr. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the NEA Jazz Masters honor, which is the highest award that can be given to jazz musicians by the US government.

In addition to receiving a $25,000 award, Hart and all of the recipients will be honored in a concert on Thursday, March 31, 2022, held in collaboration with and produced by SFJAZZ.

Ann Eilers, acting chairman for the NEA, said:

“Jazz continues to play a significant role in American culture thanks to the dedication and artistry of individuals such as these and we look forward to working with SFJAZZ on a concert that will share their music and stories with a wide audience next spring.”

Read More from the National Endowment for the Arts

recent news
Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

April 13, 2026

Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

Read More
NEC Honors Violinist Adrian Anantawan with Conservatory’s Fourth Annual Marylou Speaker Churchill Award

April 13, 2026

NEC Honors Violinist Adrian Anantawan with Conservatory’s Fourth Annual Marylou Speaker Churchill Award

Read More
New England Conservatory Announces 155th Commencement with Distinguished Speaker Denyce Graves and Honorary Degree Recipients Gary Bartz and Gary Dunning 

April 6, 2026

New England Conservatory Announces 155th Commencement with Distinguished Speaker Denyce Graves and Honorary Degree Recipients Gary Bartz and Gary Dunning 

Read More
  • Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

    April 13, 2026

    Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

  • NEC Honors Violinist Adrian Anantawan with Conservatory’s Fourth Annual Marylou Speaker Churchill Award

    April 13, 2026

    NEC Honors Violinist Adrian Anantawan with Conservatory’s Fourth Annual Marylou Speaker Churchill Award

  • New England Conservatory Announces 155th Commencement with Distinguished Speaker Denyce Graves and Honorary Degree Recipients Gary Bartz and Gary Dunning 

    April 6, 2026

    New England Conservatory Announces 155th Commencement with Distinguished Speaker Denyce Graves and Honorary Degree Recipients Gary Bartz and Gary Dunning 

  • NEC Opera Stages Mozart’s “Human and Truthful” Le Nozze di Figaro

    April 6, 2026

    NEC Opera Stages Mozart’s “Human and Truthful” Le Nozze di Figaro

  • New BSO x NEC Honors Children’s Choir Established as NEC Prep Applications Open 

    March 30, 2026

    New BSO x NEC Honors Children’s Choir Established as NEC Prep Applications Open 

  • NEC’s Black Student Union Pays Musical Tribute to Coretta Scott King’s Life and Legacy

    March 25, 2026

    NEC’s Black Student Union Pays Musical Tribute to Coretta Scott King’s Life and Legacy