Artists-in-Residence

The School of Audio and Music brings nationally and internationally recognized professional musicians to Columbia for week-long residencies. The artists lead workshops, master classes, and rehearsals with student ensembles in preparation for recording sessions and public performances. In 2025-26 school year, Columbia welcomes Philip Lassiter.

About the 2025-26 Artist-in-Residence

Philip Lassiter is a composer, arranger, and trumpet virtuoso. While at Columbia, he will workshop, record, and perform with Music students as part of the 2025-26 Artists-in-Residence program.

Residency Concerts

Dates/Times:

  • Thursday, March 5, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Friday, March 6, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 8, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Location:

  • Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago

Tickets/Cost:

  • Tickets will soon be available at Jazz Showcase.
  • About Philip Lassiter

    Rooted in Texas Funk, Alabama Gospel, New Orleans Jazz, and Nashville Soul, Philip Lassiter is an 11-time Grammy award winning horn/string arranger, and former section leader/arranger of Prince and the New Power Generation. 

    Lassiter has performed on stages around the world such as the Essence Festival, Montreaux Jazz Fest, Jam Cruise 2020, United Center Chicago, North Sea Jazz Festival Curacao, Bonnaroo, Titan Stadium, The World Cafe in Philadelphia, Arsenio Hall, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon. 

    He was crowned winner of the 2000 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Solo Competition and is endorsed by Cannonball Instruments. 

    At age 6, he unwittingly met his first love – the piano – and began belting out Amazing Grace like no other kid in Mobile, Alabama. Being the son of a preacher – a man “who sweated every ounce until he was red in the face” – Philip learned how to captivate an audience and he’s taken that spirit on his own unique mission ever since. 

    A stint in St Louis brought the beauty of big band noise and an ear for improvisation. College in Florida harnessed his gift on the trumpet, provided inroads into Salsa and Merengue, and refined his natural ability as a Jazz Pianist. 

    Eight years in Dallas under the wing of some of the most talented musicians and producers in the world. Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks, Snarky Puppy, Erykah Badu, and many others further expanded his notoriety in the gospel and funk industry. 

    Several more years in Nashville further diversified Lassiter’s musical portfolio. While there, he worked with the legendary producer Tommy Sims and performed in numerous awards shows such as the Dove Awards and The Stellars. 

    It was also in Nashville that he formed his 14 piece Soul/Funk band Philthy which is representative of his working relationships with the best players and performers in Nashville, New York, and L.A. including American Idol superstar Elliott Yamin and Dutch-Caribbean sensation, Josephine Rojer. 

     

  • Meet Select Previous Artists-in-Residence

    Cory Henry with a student

    • Three-time Grammy winner Cory Henry (above) performed and recorded with several ensembles during his second residency in 2018. Read more about his residency.

    • Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris performed with students for a live audience at Chicago’s famed Jazz Showcase. Learn about his residency in this video.

    • Singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins joined Columbia students to perform a set of classic pop and soul tunes. Learn about his residency in this video.

    • Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Joan Osborne workshopped and performed with students, sharing tips and feedback on the powerful work of songwriting.

    • Lisa Fischer was featured in the Grammy-winning 2013 documenary Twenty Feet From Stardom which told the story of the unsung heros of the music industry: backup singers. Fischer shared wisdom from her years building a reputation as a music legend in her own right.

    • Composer-musician Paula Cole shared insight with students about how to build a lasting relationship with fans by being authentic to yourself. She is the first woman in history to solely produce and receive the Best Producer Grammy nomination for her work.