Student Spotlight

What’s it like to study here? Our Student Spotlight series asks current students all about their Berklee experience.

A still from Ava Della Pietra's music video for "Marionette."

A still from Ava Della Pietra's music video for "Marionette."

Image by Georgia Nerheim

Student Spotlight: Ava Della Pietra

The singer-songwriter enrolled in the Harvard-Berklee Joint Studies Program talks about her love of medicine and music, overcoming writer's block, and her new single, "Marionette."

Rachel McFarlane holding a Playstation controller

Student Spotlight: Rachel McFarlane

The Canadian composer talks about being drawn to the storytelling power of scoring for film and video games, working with sound libraries, and boosting visibility for composers of color.

A woman singing into a microphone

Image courtesy of Temblores ONG

Student Spotlight: Manuela Sánchez Goubert

The vocalist from Bogotá, Colombia, talks about releasing and touring her album, RAÍCES ("roots"), and how Berklee has helped strengthen her own musical and cultural roots.

a young dark haired man leaning against a building wall

Image by Kelly Davidson

Student Spotlight: Rafael Heredia

The flamenco percussionist is channeling the vibrant music scenes of Japan and Spain in his musical explorations at Berklee, and offers a refreshing take on looking within for inspiration. 

Headshot of Mateo Londoño with a music production setup in the background

Mateo Londoño

Image courtesy of the artist

Student Spotlight: Mateo Londoño

The producer talks about leaving Berklee to grieve the passing of a close friend and fellow student and then returning to finish his degree. He chronicles these emotions in his new song "Pachanga." 

Bethanie Liu holding a series of electronic digital instruments and samplers

Bethanie Liu

Image by Kelly Davidson

Student Spotlight: Bethanie Liu

The electronic musician shares how Berklee helped shape her desire to be a songwriter and arranger into something that incorporates digital instruments and computer programming.