Jason Stokes is a Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, and educator with a passion for shaping the next generation of musicians. A virtuoso on guitar, bass, drums, piano, and voice, Jason’s diverse expertise is rooted in his upbringing in Atlanta, where he was immersed in the neo-soul movement. His career has led him to share stages with legendary artists such as David Ryan Harris, India Arie, Soulive, and Nigel Hall, solidifying his reputation as both a skilled performer and an influential figure in contemporary music.

His contributions to the music industry are marked by critical acclaim. In 2001, Jason received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his work on Outkast’s Stankonia and won Best Rap Performance that same year. The following year, he was nominated for Contemporary Album of the Year for his work on Michael Feinstein’s Live in Israel. As a recording engineer and producer, he has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including TLC, Boyz II Men, Pink, R.E.M., Collective Soul, Matchbox 20, Mase, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Phish, among many others. He has worked everywhere from Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta, GA to The Skywalker Ranch in San Raphael, CA.

After studying guitar with renowned mentors Mick Goodrick, Richie Hart, and others, Jason transitioned into education, bringing his wealth of industry knowledge to Berklee College of Music. For the past 12 years, he has been a professor of Music Production and Engineering, also teaching for Berklee Online for a decade. His dedication to education extends beyond the college classroom—he spent five years working in the President’s Office of Educational Outreach, designing curriculum for pre-university students as an Audio Production and Music Notation Developer.

Jason’s teaching philosophy is centered on “Concept over construct.” He believes that constructs are fluid, while concepts are timeless:
“Don’t focus on learning how to operate a construct, because one day it will be gone. That is not an if, it’s a when. Concepts are forever.”
This approach encourages students to develop a deep understanding of music, production, and artistry beyond the ever-changing tools and technologies of the industry.

Through his dynamic teaching style and extensive industry experience, Jason empowers students to develop the skills they need to record, produce, and shape their own musical identities. Whether in the studio, the classroom, or on stage, he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of musicians, blending real-world experience with an unwavering commitment to artistic growth.