Brad Belmondo

Major: Film and Media Scoring
Minor: Game and Interactive Media Scoring
Semester: 6th
Semester Abroad: Spring 2023

It was the middle of the spring semester, and Brad Belmondo found himself in a sea of global musical opportunities: taking classes at state-of-the-art recording studios, writing an album and an orchestra piece, and performing on a floating stage above water in one of the largest scientific and cultural complexes in Europe.

Belmondo, a Berklee student majoring in film and media scoring with a minor in game and interactive media scoring, packed up his MIDI keyboard and two trumpets to spend the spring semester at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain. That experience, he says, was “enlightening in every sense.” 

“It would be an understatement to say that the risk paid off for me,” Belmondo says of leaving his connections in Boston to study abroad. “Not only do I feel that I improved my musical experience and skills, but I also changed for the better as a person.”

Every day was packed with a new adventure that made Belmondo feel lucky to study at Berklee Valencia—from production and recording classes in the avant-garde Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía building, career workshops, and mentorship opportunities to open mic events, jam sessions, and field trips to Albufera Natural Park and the El Palmar village, he says.

Belmondo, a singer and songwriter, took a break from the stage and the recording studio to chat about what it was like to live and study in Spain’s third largest city.

What made you decide to study abroad at Berklee Valencia?

I studied abroad in Valencia in spring 2023 because I thought that I absolutely could not pass up on the opportunity. I was convinced to go after attending an information session, where I learned that it would be so much easier and more fulfilling than I had previously thought.

How did that experience expand your musical talent?

I was able to finish writing an album of seven songs and a piece for orchestra in my free time. Being surrounded by so much culture and new types of people, along with my excitement for what the future holds, inspired me a great amount.

Throughout the semester, numerous artists were brought into classes to talk about their fields, whether it’d be songwriting in the industry or a flamenco artist talking about the meaning and depth behind the music and its roots. I got to listen to a different story and people discussing their careers firsthand, rather than on a screen. It’s an extremely valuable thing that Berklee offers that can allow students to participate in and really grasp how rounded the global industry is and the many thriving avenues that are available to artists.

I also participated in career workshops. My favorite one was the Career Day workshop. We met in the library with the International Career Center and created electronic press kits with all our info to send to people in the industry. We talked about setting realistic goals and evaluating our artistry. And that set me up for my next step as a musician.

What's one activity or project you participated in that's particularly memorable?

I will never forget Un Lago de Conciertos, the weekly concert series that takes place on a floating stage in the City of Arts and Sciences. I was able to perform as a solo artist and with a group of friends. And it was fun like I had never experienced before. 

The first time I hopped up on the stage, it immediately felt right. To look around and see all of my friends, so many of the wonderful teachers and staff that came to support me and the other performers, and the Valencia community who cares so much about musicians is something to take in and made me feel so lucky to be a musician. Between the people on the floor in front of the stage and the people in the park that would come to listen to the performances, there was a big interactive audience. The atmosphere was amazing, and we’d sit there, watching the sun go down and the moon rise into the sky during performances. 

What was your favorite class, and why?

One of my favorite classes—I swear, it’s hard to choose—would have to be Spanish Music, Culture, and Society. Although it was a class I needed to take just to check off my degree, I found it to be a class that consistently challenged me. When I first signed up for the class, I was expecting it to be a rundown history of Spain that just gave us an overview of the culture. But it turned out to be a class that went in depth on how the many Spanish communities celebrate, believe, play music, write, and live on a daily basis. 

The class made me appreciate the world around me and allowed me to see the U.S. through a different lens. Our views of different countries can be quite 2D. But as I sat in that class learning about Spain’s festivals, religious beliefs, and the history of their music, it was so enlightening to see how similar we all are in so many ways. In the U.S., we focus too much on ourselves and make too many assumptions about people elsewhere. 

What surprised you the most about Valencia?

I think the most surprising part of Valencia for me was the kindness of the Valencia and Berklee communities. I made so many connections with staff, teachers, and students that I never expected to make; they are truly lasting and genuine relationships. Some of my fondest memories involve the studio sessions that I would do weekly with my friend and roommate, Jake. 

What was your greatest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

There were times in which the work piled up, and balancing shows, work, and life seemed quite challenging. Remembering all of my goals and staying confident gave me the strength to finish it all. 

What do you know now that you didn't know before studying in Valencia?

My okay knowledge of Spanish helped a lot in my communication with the locals and with people who spoke other languages. I would get such a special feeling every time I correctly finished a conversation.

What would you say to someone who is considering studying abroad?

I’d encourage them to do it, even with the risks associated with taking the leap and spending a semester abroad. Do not miss this opportunity; it will absolutely change your life and make you see the world in a different light—something more people need to do if we want to fix the world we live in.