A believer in music as a vehicle for social change, cellist Jacob MacKay is involved with diverse teaching and performance projects that bring classical music to new audiences, highlight cultural challenges in our society, and spotlight underrepresented communities.  In 2016, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with degrees in Environmental Studies and Cello Performance.  He received a master’s degree in 2019 from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, having studied with Norman Fischer.  Jacob  is the Resident Cellist and Education Director at the Newport String Project, and serves on the faculty of Salve Regina University, St. George’s School, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School.