Student Spotlight: Ava Della Pietra

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. In this installment, get to know singer-songwriter Ava Della Pietra, a third-semester major in songwriting from Long Island, New York.

Follow Ava on Instagram(Opens in a new window), TikTok(Opens in a new window), and her website(Opens in a new window).

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

I've always loved both medicine and songwriting, so when I heard about the Harvard-Berklee Joint Studies Program, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore both paths. While I’ve been writing songs for years, I was excited by the idea of studying music in a more structured, academic setting. Berklee also offers an amazing way to connect with other musicians and collaborate. Over the past few years, I’ve performed with many Berklee students in various bands, and they’ve always impressed me—not just with their talent, but with how nice they are!

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

I’ve really been enjoying my Harmony 2 class with Jeff D’Antona! We’ve learned about concepts like voice leading, secondary dominants, and related II–7 chords.

Watch the music video for "Marionette" below:

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

I’ve been releasing a lot of original pop songs and music videos! In late February, I released a song called “Marionette(Opens in a new window)” along with a music video. “Marionette” is about feeling controlled by someone who takes advantage of that power—like a marionette struggling to cut the strings. 

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

I try to seek out new experiences, whether it’s traveling, meeting new people, or just doing something spontaneous! I’ve found that whenever I’m facing writer’s block, it’s usually because I’ve been stuck in the routine of everyday student life. Inspiration comes from living a little outside the norm.

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

I’m inspired by a lot of different people. My family inspires me with their hard work and support. Artists like Charlie Puth, Tate McRae, Lola Young, and Billie Eilish, or producers like Dan Nigro and Finneas motivate me to keep improving my sound and songwriting. But more than who someone is, I’m often inspired by what they’ve done—how hard they worked, how motivated they were, and how much they overcame to get there. For example, a few days ago, I met a fashion designer who started her brand at just 17, renting a tiny studio while she was still in college—and now she runs an international fashion label. Stories like that remind me that success comes from taking risks, staying focused, and believing that your goals are possible.

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

Surround yourself with people who genuinely make you feel good. It’s easy to stick with people just because you’ve known them a long time and they are familiar, but familiarity doesn’t outweigh kindness, respect, or positive energy. There are so many amazing people out there, and everyone deserves to spend time with those who truly support and uplift them.

Ava's Current Favorite Songs

We asked Ava to share some of her favorite songs right now. Check them out below.

“Vienna,” Billy Joel

This song makes me feel so much! I really relate to the feeling of putting pressure on myself to strive for success, but “Vienna” is a reminder to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the moment. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now.

“Changes,” Hayd

This song really resonates with me when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It reminds me to give myself grace and to accept change instead of fighting it. I also love the acoustic production because it feels intimate.

“Messy,” Lola Young

Such a vibey, empowering track! It has this fun, edgy, girl-boss energy that I love. Also, I’m obsessed with Lola Young’s voice because it’s so rich and full of character.

“Birds of a Feather,” Billie Eilish

I love the contrast in this song—the melancholic title and haunting lyrics paired with the vulnerability of a love song. Billie’s vocals throughout her album Hit Me Hard and Soft are incredible, and this track especially shows how she’s experimenting with new textures in her voice that we haven’t really heard before.

“Meant to Be Yours,” Heathers

Yes, yes, a theater song. I love how the song oscillates between beautiful, melodic phrases and intense, fast-paced rhythmic sections. J.D. says “I was meant to be yours,” which sounds romantic on the surface, but in the context of the song, it’s extremely terrifying. J.D. uses poetic language to express rebellion against everything the Heathers represent, pulling Veronica into a twisted world where love becomes entangled with control, violence, and a disturbing thrill of playing with life and death.