By Salem Davern
There are many things I was able to check off of my life bucket list this summer: traveling out of the country for the first time, working with Grammy-nominated producers, and writing for a big-name label. This was all thanks to Berklee and Sony/ATV Beijing. The day I moved out of my humble 270 dorm room after finishing my first year of college, I remember taking a break from packing to check my email. Much to my surprise, an email from Bonnie Hayes with the subject “IMPORTANT” was waiting for me. I remember thinking, “This is either really good, or reeeeally bad.” I quickly skimmed the lines, and learned that Sony/ATV had selected me to be a part of their international songwriting camp in Beijing, China. Having never been out of the country before, or been involved in such a professional experience, I had no idea what to expect, but quickly accepted.
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Over spring break, Berklee students attended industry trips to L.A., Nashville, New York City, and Atlanta. Here, five students from various trips share their experiences with Berklee Blogs.
Claire Marie Lim | Atlanta
“As aptly put by one of the professionals we encountered, ‘Elsewhere, people try to cut your strings; in Atlanta, people give you ropes.’ The sense of community that we felt from Atlanta’s music scene was impossible to deny.”
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Berklee senior Jane Evancio shares her tips for getting the most out of Career Jam 2018 (April 6).
By Jane Evancio
Once again, it’s almost time for Berklee’s annual Career Jam. What exactly is Career Jam, you ask? It brings together more than 50 industry professionals, artists, notable alumni and musicians to campus so that they can share their expertise and guide students towards pathways that broaden our scope of career possibilities. Along with these guest speakers, Berklee offers several auditions, workshops, mentoring sessions, employer recruitment tables–as well as professional headshots. Whether you’re a fifth-semester or an eighth-semester student, this event provides enticing possibilities for everyone.
Last year was my first Career Jam. Although I really enjoyed myself, there are several steps I wish I had taken in order to better prepare myself for the day. Here are the necessities for a happy, successful Career Jam 2018:
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At a recent master class cosponsored by Red Bull, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes worked with students in real time to help their performance skills and musicianship, as well as offer career advice. Berklee blogger Chandler Dalton shares her reflections about this special event.
Greg Phillinganes (front, center) poses with the student performers who participated in his Red Bull master class.
Before anyone even stepped out onto the stage, there was an air of childlike excitement in the David Friend Recital Hall. Greg Phillinganes, the charismatic Toto keyboardist with a history of working with household names such as Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers, was about to impart knowledge onto an audience of hopeful composers and performers, and play in a full band of Berklee students. I couldn’t help but feel the pure thrill from some of my classmates that were about to watch their hero play alongside their peers, and it was yet another reminder of the symbiotic relationship between performers and their audience.
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In early 2018, alumna Eva Cassel answered the call of the muse and left a steady restaurant job in Nashville in order to take her songwriting skills and habits to new heights. What follows below is part two of a series chronicling her experience. (Read parts one and three).
By Eva Cassel B.M. ’17
The artist in her natural habitat.
Results are in folks: there is nothing like a little bit of unemployment to spark some inspiration. While reveling in freedom, I’ve thought “I would be happy if I never had to work again.” Fortunately, that’s a lie. I am working. I spend my days learning and exercising my writing muscle, working to improve my craft. I may not be getting paid, but I am investing in myself.
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