Celebration of Music - Talent Search

Neil Jansen is a 23-year-old musician, audio engineer, and teacher from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He has been performing as a soloist and in groups since 2007 and continues to pursue his music career. Neil’s musical journey began when he was very young when he was pushed towards music by various music teachers who saw potential in him. After picking up guitar in middle school and joining a band, Neil’s deep passion for music grew exponentially and he began writing his own songs. He continued through high school, performing in musicals and even becoming a Drum Major in the marching band. After high school, Neil attended Western Michigan University’s School of Music and earned degrees in both Music Education and Multimedia Arts Technology. While at school, Neil produced and recorded his own EP titled, Truthful Mirror, writing and playing many of the instruments, himself. Since graduating, Neil has become a full-time audio engineer and music curator in Portage, Michigan. He also hosts music bingo, teaches private guitar, piano, and voice lessons, as well as spends time gigging and writing new material. Neil is extremely excited for the opportunity to perform on the Celebration of Music on PBS and can’t wait to see where his music will take him.