Bluffton University’s music department will host a reception for the opening of its Digital Music Lab at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28.

The lab features Mac mini computers with various programs to create anything from written scores to EDM (electronic dance music). These programs include Logic Pro, Sibelius, Finale, GarageBand and Ableton Live, just to name a few.

Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and producer, Kendall Nesbitt, will provide a live demonstration at the event. He will also work with students in the lab throughout the day. Nesbitt made his professional debut at 16 years old as the pianist for the late comedian/actor Bernie Mac. Since then, he has assisted in completing more than 50 gold and multi-platinum albums for artists ranging from Jay Z to Jennifer Lopez. 

While the new lab will certainly benefit music majors, students from a variety of majors will have the opportunity to use the equipment.

“What I am most excited about with this lab is that it will provide a space for the 21st century musician at Bluffton,” said Dr. Crystal Sellers Battle, music department chair. “This lab is for students who may not have a traditional western art music background but have been creating music in their rooms and on their phones for years.”

The event is free and open to the public.