Kirsten Kirk

Major: Music Production and Engineering and Music Business
Minor: Music Technology
Semester: 6th
Semester Abroad: Spring 2023

For Kirsten Kirk, studying in Valencia, Spain, was “freeing”—an opportunity to remember why they love music and the inspiration behind their new extended play (EP).

“Valencia gave me the opportunity to remind myself why I love music and why I chose Berklee,” Kirk says. “I felt like I could focus on my artistry rather than my career and growing my relationships rather than networking.”

While abroad, Kirk participated in a monthly songwriters’ round with fellow Berklee peers, where they each played three of their songs. Those sessions and the music Kirk was listening to at the time were the inspiration behind Kirk’s EP.

“The EP is about struggling with a loss of control, and finding a way to take it back,” Kirk says. “I call a few songs my ‘horoscope songs’ because everyone for whom I've played them has such different interpretations but relates to the songs nonetheless. I was listening to a lot of rock and flamenco, but honestly the songs that inspired me were written by my peers.” 

Kirk is double majoring in music production and engineering and music business with a minor in instrument repair. Here, they reflect on their study abroad experience, which allowed them to develop valuable skills for personal growth and career advancement.

What made you decide to study abroad at Berklee Valencia?

Since I was 5 years old, I always knew I was going to study abroad. My mom always told me that her biggest college regret was not going abroad. So the minute I got into Berklee, I was planning on going to Valencia, whether it was first year abroad or study abroad for a semester. I also happen to have a background in Spanish, so I was super excited to have a chance to practice.

How did that experience expand your musical talent?

Valencia really reminded me why I do music. I didn’t take private instruction or any voice classes, but I had the opportunity to practice a secondary instrument—bass —in my ensemble, and there were multiple performing opportunities where I was able to play to much larger crowds than I’ve played to in Boston. It let me focus on the music rather than the business and the brand, which I sometimes forget to do in Boston.

What was your favorite class at Berklee Valencia, and why?

My favorite class was probably my ensemble. I took Flamenco and Middle Eastern music with Sergio Martínez, which were two genres with which I was super unfamiliar. I loved learning the different rhythms and progressions that were distinctive to each genre, and my teacher let me play bass since we had two vocalists and no bassist. It was really cool to get to practice an instrument with which I did not have a lot of experience in a room, where I had access to a teacher but also the safety of a class where the end goal is simply to learn and improve.

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

I was lucky enough to perform at INOCON, a technology and innovation conference with a show at the end of the semester. Each group had a producer, access to visuals, which were amazing, a say in the lighting, and a dress rehearsal. It felt very professional, like what a concert or a tour actually feels like.

The performance day itself was stressful; we had some tech/equipment issues. We were playing with two subs rather than the usual group, and two of my band members were performing in other groups, so everyone was running around like a chicken with its head cut off beforehand. Once the show actually started everything calmed down, I loved performing on a bigger stage and having the option to move around more and interact with my band. Since Berklee Valencia is such a small community, I didn't really get stage fright—for every stranger I saw, there were three people I knew. It felt like a rehearsal for what I hope my career will be.

What surprised you the most about Valencia? 

Honestly, I was expecting a lot more English. I haven’t been out of the country many times, but when I have been, most people looked at me or my family and automatically spoke English. In Valencia you get to practice your Spanish everywhere you go. And if you don’t speak Spanish, generally you can get by with Google translate and pointing.

What's your fondest memory of your time abroad?

I went on two weekend trips that I really loved to San Sebastián, a city up north, and Menorca, a beautiful island off the coast of Spain. Both were booked about a month in advance and super cheap and neither had a ton of museums or touristy things, so we just got to relax and explore the city as though we were locals.

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

There were so many opportunities that I could not force myself to say no to, I ended up super busy all the time and on the verge of burnout about halfway through the semester. My friends honestly helped me a lot just by pointing out that I didn’t need to be participating in every possible thing I could possibly sign up for, and I just had to start not jumping on every single opportunity that came my way.

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

First off, everything is closed every Sunday; I was completely unprepared for this, especially since I normally do my grocery shopping and other errands on Sundays. Also, you have the opportunity to really fight for your classes. If you want to take a class for which you might not have prerequisites, talk to the teachers and Academic Affairs office. It’s such a small population, you’ll get to know faculty and staff really well, and there aren’t as many students so they can support you in any way you need.

What song best captures your experience in Valencia, and why?

This is a super difficult question. There were so many amazing parts of my experience, it’s hard to either choose one part or find a song that encapsulates everything. I think going off my answer to the last question, I would go with "Breathe" by Faith Hill. The song is such a lovely reminder to take everything as it comes, and stay grateful and in the moment.

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

You’re always going to think of another reason not to go—I know I was—whether it’s being so far from Boston, having to put your Berklee Boston projects on hold, or being scared of the language barrier. None of the reasons you can think of are going to seem as pertinent when you’re there. I was so worried about anything I would miss, but within 48 hours in Spain I was not worried about any of it.