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
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
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

Read More
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 

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 

  • 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

  • New England Conservatory Congratulates 2026 Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipients

    March 24, 2026

    New England Conservatory Congratulates 2026 Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipients

  • Faculty Explore Pedagogy Anew 

    March 23, 2026

    Faculty Explore Pedagogy Anew