Student Spotlight: Grant Glazier

The songwriting major, whose duo Awfbeat performed at Governors Ball 2023, talks about his road to Berklee from an art and design background and how visual art recharges his musical inspiration.

August 7, 2023

What’s it like to study at Berklee? Our Student Spotlight series asks current students all about their Berklee experience—what they’re learning in class, what kinds of projects they’re involved in onstage or behind the scenes, how they recharge, and of course, what they’re listening to. This week, get to know Grant Glazier, a eighth-semester piano principal and songwriting major from Annapolis, Maryland. Through the Berklee Popular Music Institute, his band, Awfbeat, performed at Governor's Ball this summer.

Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here?

I originally attended Carnegie Mellon University School of Design. I was always committed to music, but wanted to explore other fields of art and design as well. Halfway through, I knew I needed to dedicate myself professionally to music to be happy and transferred to Berklee.

What's been your favorite class so far, and what has it taught you?

My favorite class so far has been Recording and Mixing for Music Production co-taught by Lucas Martín and Patrick Soria at Berklee’s Valencia campus. It taught me how to consistently deliver professional recordings with a focus on real application. I also have to give a shout out to Paula Gallitano who taught me Arranging for Songwriters. She’s just awesome.

What's a project you've worked on since coming to Berklee that you've been especially excited about?

My duo Awfbeat has three projects coming out that we started right after I came to Berklee. We’re really excited to release them coming off of our performance at Governor's Ball.

How do you typically recharge or find new ideas outside of class?

I recharge by going to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and losing myself in the exhibits. Or you can find me working out at the YMCA or at home listening to new music. I listen to about five new albums a week.

What careers are you interested in pursuing in the future?

I want to be a songwriter/producer/creator, and I also want to be able to perform.

When you think towards your own future, who inspires you most?

Andre 3000. He’s a genius.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to your high school self?

Don’t sign any contracts without getting legal advice.

Grant's Top Songs Right Now

We asked Grant to pick five of his current favorite songs. Here’s what he selected:

1. “JOY (Unspeakable),” Voices of Fire (featuring Pharrell Williams)


2. “Everybody’s Safe Until...,” Paris Texas


3. “Answered Prayer,” Dinner Party (featuring Phoelix)


4. “Mr. Police,” IDK


5. "Scientists and Engineers," Killer Mike and André 3000

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