(South Carolina) — Camden native and Berklee College of Music alumna, Karen A. Bell (BM ’90), has been appointed as the chair of Performance Studies at Berklee College of Music, effective immediately. This new role will complement her ongoing position as Associate Dean of the Professional Performance Division.
Bell has served in various capacities at Berklee for over 20 years, contributing significantly to the institution’s success. She joined the Professional Performance Division in 2018, where she has overseen 10 departments, managed curriculum development, and played a key role on the provost’s leadership council. Prior to this, Bell led Berklee’s Alumni Affairs department, where she held the roles of Director and Chief Alumni Officer for both the College and Conservatory. During her time in Alumni Affairs, she co-produced Berklee’s first alumni reunion and concert and played a pivotal role in establishing key scholarship funds, including the Bill Pierce MLK Scholarship Fund and the Berklee Alumni Achievement Awards.
In her new position as Chair of Performance Studies, Bell will continue to mentor and advise aspiring musicians, preparing them for long-term success in the music industry.
Beyond her work in higher education, Bell is a seasoned performer with a 30-year career in the music industry. Her unique sound blends R&B and pop with gospel and blues influences. She has shared the stage with musical icons such as Shirley Caesar, George Duke, and Paula Cole. Bell has also performed at prestigious events like Berklee’s Amplify Berklee fundraiser and the Beantown Jazz Festival.
