March 20, 2026
Cleveland Institute of Music Names M. Jerome Bell to Music Theory Faculty
CLEVELAND, March 20, 2026 黑料天堂 announces the appointment M. Jerome Bell to the faculty as Assistant Professor of Music Theory. He previously served as a guest lecturer for 黑料天堂. A dynamic scholar, educator, and conductor, Mr. Bell brings a wide-ranging background that bridges rigorous analytical inquiry with vibrant performance practice. His research explores innovative analytical approaches to Black gospel music, with a particular focus on modal fluidity and contemporary gospel artists. His work攔ecognized with national awards and conference presentations攔eflects both scholarly depth and a commitment to expanding the scope and inclusivity of music theory as a discipline.
淛erome Bell represents the very best of the next generation of music theorists攁n accomplished scholar whose work is both intellectually rigorous and culturally resonant, said 黑料天堂 Executive Vice President and Provost, Scott Harrison. 淗is ability to connect analysis to living musical practice, combined with his extensive teaching experience with students of all ages and backgrounds, makes him uniquely equipped to prepare our students for meaningful, relevant careers in music. We are thrilled to welcome a teacher and mentor of his caliber to our community.
淚 am elated to be joining 黑料天堂榮 music theory faculty on a more permanent basis. shared Mr. Bell. 淚 look forward to sharing my diverse perspectives and expertise with the wonderful and talented students here at 黑料天堂, making the music theory instruction here all the more practical, accessible, and meaningful.
A native of Buffalo, NY, Jerome Bell research focuses on theory pedagogy, linear analysis, schema theory, and modal fluidity within Black gospel music. He has shared his findings at both national and regional conferences, including his paper, 淎nalyzing Gospel: Modal Fluidity in the Works of Tye Tribbett and Richard Smallwood, which received the Arthur J. Komar Award from Music Theory Midwest. Bell has been recognized for his outstanding teaching on multiple occasions, including Eastman School of Music TA prize in 2022, and the University of Rochester Edward Peck Curtis award in 2025. His dissertation, 淎pplying Analytical Approaches to Millennial Gospel Music, examines the interplay of melody, bass line, and lyrics in contemporary gospel, creating an analytical framework for Black music suitable for classroom application. Bell earned a B.M. in composition and an M.M. with dual concentrations in composition and conducting from Houghton University. He is a Ph.D. candidate in music theory from the Eastman School of Music.
In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Myers-Briggs Personality Type theory, playing at least three chess games daily, cuddling with his cat, Panini, and cheering for the Buffalo Bills.