About this Artist

Nathaniel Gumbs is a native of the Bronx, NY, and has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad, including Antigua, St. Thomas, Ghana, Paris, and Munich. He currently serves as Director of Chapel Music at Yale University, where he works with students, faculty, and guests to coordinate music for three worshiping communities: the University Church in Battell Chapel and at Yale Divinity School in both Marquand Chapel and at Berkeley Divinity School. 

   Gumbs earned his undergraduate degree from Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia and his Master of Music degree from Yale University. In 2021, he completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music. His principal teachers include Steven Cooksey, David Higgs, and Martin Jean. 

   Prior to his position at Yale, Gumbs served as Director of Music and Arts and Church Organist at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where he led several hundred volunteer musicians and staff in four choirs and other ensembles. He has also been a frequent guest musician at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem and served as organist and clinician for the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. 

   In 2017, The Diapason magazine recognized Gumbs as one of 20 outstanding organists under 30 for his achievement in organ performance and church music. In 2018, Gumbs curated the opening Hymn Festival (Singing Diverse Music in The New Church) for the Hymn Society’s annual conference.