Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacques Bell.
Hi Jacques, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am Jacques A. Bell. I was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I moved to New York when I was nine years old and I have been living in Atlanta since High School. I attended Clarkston High School in Stone Mountain GA and I attended The University of Georgia where I studied Music Education. I am a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and have worked and performed in various capacities in the entertainment industry, from Dance and Choreography to Music and Film.
I am currently the CEO and Founder of The J. Bell Studio which is an educational music entity dedicated to providing exceptional private music instruction for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. It is my goal to provide a positive and enriching environment that will ensure consistent musical development and proficiency. As a woodwind specialist, I offer instruction primarily on the Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, and Oboe.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been easy. There are always times when you feel discouraged or even overwhelmed. There have been many sleepless nights spent planning, organizing, and executing. That hard work doesn’t always pay off immediately, though. However, the work is necessary for success and certainly for building a company/brand. Working in any area of entertainment forces you to have pretty tough skin. Rejection is just a part of the process. Fortunately, those experiences have helped me perform well under pressure.
COVID-19 has also been a struggle. As with many businesses during the onset of this pandemic, my studio saw a decline in business as a result of schools closing, social distancing mandates, and general social unrest. The business was forced to adapt. As a result, I incorporated remote/virtual private lessons to my service offerings. The results were beyond my expectations. Currently, remote/virtual lessons have become a standard part of my practice. The need to adapt has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It became evident that this was a service that many students and parents alike found to work well. It has added another level of convenience as well as the opportunity to serve students from all over the country.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well I have been called Atlanta’s best-kept secrets in entertainment lol. Likely because I have grown to encompass a multifaceted range of talents from dance and choreography to music, theater, and film. As a high school student, I received numerous accolades as an instrumentalist, performing in some of Georgia’s most accomplished student and professional ensembles. This foundation in music was further augmented at the University of Georgia, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the Hugh Hodgson School of Music and became a highly sought-after Musician, Music Educator, and Clinician. It was while at the University of Georgia that I began to explore and develop my skills as a Dancer/Choreographer further.
I began to receive numerous high-profile opportunities in Music Videos, Television, and Stage Productions, with some of my work being showcased on major television networks, including MTV, BET, and VH1 etc. I have been fortunate to work with artists including Ne-Yo, Ciara, J-Cole, and Beyoncé. I have similarly been afforded the opportunity to work with noted aggregations such as the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, the Atlanta Hawks “A Town” Dancers, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. My experience later landed me some coveted positions as Choreographer of VH1’s, “Drumline: A New Beat”, BET’s “The Quad”, Choreographer/Asst. Stage Director of “DRUMLine Live” , and Head Director/Choreographer of “DRUMLine Live: Holiday Spectacular”. Of course as you know, I am the CEO and Founder of The J. Bell Studio and I continue to instruct and perform in various capacities with elementary, high school, college, and professional musicians and dancers. I am driven by the belief that there is always more to learn and I attribute my success to Gods grace, steady work ethic, and to my strong foundation in the fundamentals of music.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I have learned that flexibility is key. You MUST adapt to make it through situations as devastating as Covid-19. Also, your blessing can show itself in many forms… even through trials and tribulations.
Pricing:
- 30 minute lessons $35
- 60 minute lessons $70
Contact Info:
- Email: TheJBellStudio@gmail.com
- Website: www.TheJBellStudio.com
- Instagram: TheJBellStudio
- Facebook: Facebook.com/TheJBellStudio
- Youtube: The J. Bell Studio
Image Credits
Midas Touch Creative Group
