Berklee Blogs highlights the experience of Jaclyn Sanchez, a dual major in Music Business and Music Production and Engineering. Today, we hear about the role models Jaclyn encounters at The Record Company, an independent record label promoting youth music education and independent record making…

My first month at the Record Company (TRC) was very exciting. I did not expect to learn as much as I did. Matt McArthur, the executive director of TRC, is so transparent about how he runs the company. I really feel like I am a part of a team at TRC. Overhearing business conversations, discussions about the construction of the second studio, and day-to-day activities—such as fixing cables and ordering supplies, have taught me what it takes to run a successful business.

Something I found that was impressive was the fact that in TRC’s was able to aggressively control debt in their first year of business. This was very impressive to me and inspired me in my own personal life. Like most students, I have loans to pay off that will basically feel like I’m paying rent twice. This can be very discouraging. Seeing how disciplined Matt was about paying back debt as an entrepreneur and having a successful business, encouraged me to feel like it is possible to pay off debt, run financial risks and be successful.


During this month, TRC held two events, and we attended an audio engineering event at the New England Art Institute. At these events I was able to share conversations with Susan Rogers who really inspired me with her story. During these events and conversations I had moments where I told myself “this is what I want to do for the next 10 or 20 years of my life;” engineering, hosting engineering events, attending trade events, and making music. Also Susan was a successful engineer and producer and then in her 40’s decided to change her career and got her PHD in Cognitive Science. This was comforting since one goal I have in life is to always encourage people to dream and go after a change like that at any age. So it was inspiring to see it in her life, and know that you can truly do what ever you please if you’re willing to put the work in. Most people would not give up the comfort and success they already achieved and start over. Or others feel like they don’t have the option. But Susan is an example that there is always a choice and the possibility is there.

 
Bio
Jaclyn Sanchez is a Miami native of Cuban and Ecuadorian descent who identifies herself not just as a vocalist, but also as a musician, engineer, and entrepreneur.  Jaclyn developed her talents and skills at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Jaclyn’s innate entrepreneurial spirit and desire to give back led her to create Just Relieve, a non-profit intended for raising awareness and funds for charities through the arts. Despite the amount of growth Jaclyn developed musically and the success of Just Relieve’s first event, she knew in her gut Berklee was where she belonged. She re-auditioned in the summer of 2008 and received a partial-scholarship to attend Berklee. Jaclyn resigned from her own organization to follow her dreams at Berklee. Currently, she is in her last semester as dual major in Music Business and Management and Music Production and Engineering. Jaclyn has also engineered a variety of projects and two full-length albums. She is also the lead singer in one of Boston’s top wedding bands, Boston Common Band. She intends to keep her desire to raise awareness, funds, and relief through her own music and career as a freelance engineer.