Berklee College of Music Appoints M-Powered Artist

Berklee College of Music recently announced that M-Powered artist and all-star keyboardist Jetro da Silva has been named assistant chair of the college's Piano Department. While presenting for the position, da Silva used Reason and a Powerbook in lieu of a band, and played live solos on both an acoustic piano and Midiman's USB Keystation 61 MIDI keyboard controller.

A Berklee alumnus, da Silva is an extremely accomplished pianist, producer, and musical director, bringing an impressive history of professional experience to the position. Da Silva has performed with a parade of stars including Chaka Kahn, The Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, Brandy, Brian McKnight, Bonnie Raitt, Luther Vandross, Celene Dion, and others. In 1999, he served as the primary keyboard player for Whitney Houston's U.S. and European tours, and performed with her during the 2000 Grammy Awards. That same year, he played alongside Faith Hill and Brandy on the VH1 Special, ''Divas Live.'' In 2002, he became the new music director for Patti Labelle and accompanied her on tour.

''The College has a wonderful piano faculty team,'' says da Silva. ''I am grateful that I will have the opportunity to give back to Berklee faculty and students, as well as the Boston community that so graciously gave me encouragement and confidence to pursue my dreams.''

Da Silva is endorsed by M-Audio and uses M-Audio's Delta 1010 audio card, Oxygen8, Quattro, Omni i/o, Propellerhead's Reason and Ableton's Live.