Pharrell Williams Named Artist-in-Residence at NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Pharrell Williams is taking time from his busy schedule, and coaching duties on The Voice, to inspire the next generation of musical greats at New York University.

The award-winning songwriter, producer, artist, and entrepreneur has been named the 2015 artist-in-residence at the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts. On October 26, the Virginia Beach native will sit down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Jason King; professor of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, and host of NPR Music’s R&B initiative ‘I’ll Take You There.’

During the in-depth discussion and Q&A event, Williams will talk about his legacy within the music industry, starting from his early days as a teen in Virginia, to now being known as one of the industry’s most creative geniuses who earned Billboard’s Producer of the Decade award in 2010.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pharrell Williams as our artist-in-residence for the 50th anniversary year of the Tisch School of the Arts,” said Allyson Green, dean of Tisch School of the Arts. “Pharrell is just the kind of artist and entrepreneur that many of our students aspire to become. He is remarkably gifted, and he graciously uses his talent for the good of others.”

This certainly isn’t the first time Williams has taken time out to inspire the next generation with a face-to-face meeting. Last year, the 42 year old returned to his alma mater, Princess Anne High School, to offer a few encouraging words to the students and to kick off his partnership with Everfi, Inc. where he will provide digital learning opportunities to students who are a part of his non-profit, From One Hand to AnOTHER.

The NYU event, which will take place at the school’s Town Hall, is only open to students, faculty, and staff. NPR Music will publish a video recording of the event for fans to catch online at NPR.org/Music.