M. Jerome Bell is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate and Provost’s Fellow in music theory at the Eastman School of Music. He earned a B.M. in composition and an M.M. with dual concentrations in composition and conducting from Houghton University. Jerome’s research focuses on theory pedagogy, linear analysis, schema theory, and modal fluidity within Millennial gospel music. He has shared his findings at both national and regional conferences. His paper, “Analyzing Gospel: Modal Fluidity in the Works of Tye Tribbett and Richard Smallwood,” received the Arthur J. Komar Award from Music Theory Midwest. In Spring 2022, he was also awarded Eastman’s TA Prize for Excellence in Teaching. His dissertation, “Applying Analytical Approaches to Millennial Gospel Music,” examines the interplay of melody, bassline, and lyrics in contemporary gospel, creating an analytical framework for Black music suitable for classroom application.

In his spare time, Jerome 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!