Zildjian Sponsors 10th Year of Berklee Artist-in-Residence Program with Aaron Spears

Zildjian and the Berklee College of Music recently concluded the 10th year of the Armand Zildjian Artist in Residence Program. This year’s guest Zildjian artist was Gospel drumming phenom and Usher sideman Aaron Spears.

The Armand Zildjian Artist-in-Residence was created by the Zildjian family in recognition of Armand’s tireless efforts in the promotion of percussive music, principally through the manufacturing of the world-class Zildjian cymbals and the promotion of talented artists. The purpose of the program is to provide Berklee students an opportunity to learn from recognized drummers in a wide range of genres. Past artists-in-residence have included Steve Smith, Peter Erskine, and Antonio Sanchez.

“Berklee has redefined the way up-and-coming musicians hone their craft, while continually raising the level of respect paid to contemporary music around the world,” said Zildjian CEO Craigie Zildjian. There’s a long history of partnership between Zildjian and Berklee, and this program pays tribute to our shared commitment to education.”

“Aaron Spears drew standing room only audiences during the 3-day annual Armand Zildjian Artist in Residence Program,” said John Ramsay, chairman of Berklee’s percussion program. “During three master classes and a final concert, Spears dazzled students with his deep pocket and other-worldly fills and responded to non-stop questions with patience and grace. Possessing a heart and soul as big as his beat, Berklee students were not disappointed.”

Photo: Craigie Zildjian, John Ramsay (chair of Berklee's Percussion Department) and Aaron Jackson (Zildjian's manager of education)