HAMPTON, Va. (November 13, 2026) – For Hampton University music students, November 12 offered more than a masterclass in musicianship. It was an opportunity to learn from a jazz legend whose career has been shaped by artistry, discipline and a deep understanding of music’s power to move people.
Ahead of the 14th Annual Jazz Legacy Foundation Fundraising Gala, renowned saxophonist, educator and recording artist Dr. Walter Beasley visited Hampton University for a special masterclass with students from the Department of Music. Held in the R. Nathaniel Dett Auditorium, the session blended career reflections, musical instruction and hands-on coaching, giving aspiring musicians an opportunity to learn directly from one of jazz’s most celebrated artists.
Drawing from his musical journey and the influence of legendary performers, including Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway and Nat King Cole, Beasley encouraged students to look beyond technical proficiency and develop a deeper connection to the music they perform.
His central lesson was simple: Knowing the notes is not the same as knowing the music.
“You’ve got to know the lyrics,” Beasley emphasized, explaining that lyrics carry emotions and meaning that musicians must understand before attempting to communicate them through their instruments. While a saxophonist may be able to play every note correctly, he challenged students to consider whether their performance truly conveyed the feeling behind the music.
“You can play the notes on a saxophone, but that doesn’t mean they have feeling,” he shared.
The lesson highlighted the importance of listening, interpretation and emotional expression. For Beasley, musicianship is not simply about mastering an instrument. It is about understanding the story within a song and having the ability to make an audience feel it.
Beasley also challenged students to think critically about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the music industry and how musicians can embrace emerging technologies. As AI continues to influence music creation, production and distribution, the conversation encouraged students to consider how technology can become a tool for innovation, creativity and professional growth while recognizing the irreplaceable value of human artistry and musical expression.
Throughout the masterclass, Beasley reflected on his life and musical career, highlighting the artists and musical influences that helped shape his approach to performance. He encouraged students to recognize the contributions of those who came before them while developing their own artistic identities.
The experience became even more personal when Beasley invited approximately four students to the stage for individual coaching. Working directly with the aspiring musicians, he offered instruction and guidance, demonstrating how musical interpretation, technique and feeling come together in performance.
For the students, the opportunity to receive direct feedback from an accomplished recording artist and educator brought the lessons of the afternoon to life.
The masterclass reflected Hampton University’s commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage with accomplished professionals, expand their creative perspectives and prepare for careers in the arts.
As the University welcomed Beasley ahead of the Jazz Legacy Foundation’s annual fundraising celebration, the afternoon served as a reminder that the future of jazz depends not only on the next generation’s ability to play, but also on its willingness to listen, learn, innovate and carry the music forward.
At Hampton, the legacy of excellence is passed from one generation to the next, one note, one lesson and one opportunity at a time.
About Hampton University
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is one of the nation’s strongest Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution. For more than 150 years, Hampton has prepared world-ready leaders of character and consequence through a distinctive educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and service.
Home to students from 44 states and 32 countries and territories, the University is nationally recognized for groundbreaking research in atmospheric science, cancer research, cybersecurity, marine and environmental science, and other disciplines that address society’s most pressing challenges. With an annual economic impact of $515 million across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton continues to advance discovery, strengthen communities, and prepare graduates to lead with purpose in an increasingly interconnected world. Learn more at www.hamptonu.edu.
