Student-Run Enterprises

There's no question that students get real-world experiences at Berklee. Not only do they play gigs and get the chance to rub elbows with industry professionals—from faculty members to visiting artists—but they have the unique opportunity of running the show at a host of student-run enterprises, from record labels to publications to a full-service venue. Here is a look inside these ventures.

• The BIRN

  The commercial-free internet radio station fills the airwaves with nonstop music, interviews, and commentary, covering just about every musical genre you can think of, from hip-hop to show tunes to salsa. The five-channel network's DJs spin music featuring local and international artists, students, and alumni. More

• The Business Startup Initiative

  Designed to help Berklee students develop and launch small businesses, this program guides them through a detailed business and marketing plan and, in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, helps them understand the loan application process to fund their startups. More

• Caf Shows

  Down the block from the Berklee Performance Center, students have their own venue to manage seven nights a week. An unlikely venue—the college's cafeteria—opens at night to showcase student bands in as many musical styles as performers can think up. More

• Cafe 939

  There's no better place in town to catch a top-notch show or grab a cup of brew than at Cafe 939, the 200-capacity, all-ages, student-run music venue and coffeehouse. More

• FUSION

  FUSION is Berklee College of Music’s global forum of writing, visual art, and music that engages notions of interconnectivity and interdisciplinary approaches to the arts. We publish high-quality literature, journalism, photography, film/video, and multimedia projects by our community as well as internationally recognized artists. More

• The Groove

  The Berklee Groove is Berklee College of Music’s student voice in the form of an online newspaper. With articles covering the latest music industry news, show reviews, album reviews, interviews, and more, The Groove strives to provide interesting, entertaining, and relevant information to the Berklee and Boston communities. More

• Heavy Rotation Records

  This working record label/for-credit class produces, promotes, and releases commercial recordings by Berklee students and alumni. Each year, the label produces a compilation album, and often showcases talent at nationwide venues. More

• Jazz Revelation Records

  Rising jazz artists have found their start with this label, and have gone on to make a name for themselves in the contemporary scene. Meanwhile, student staff members run live recording sessions, giving them firsthand experience in producing albums. More

• Music Business Journal

  This student publication serves as a forum for intellectual discussion and research into various aspects of the music industry. The goal is to inform and educate aspiring music professionals, connect them with the industry, and raise the academic level and interest inside and outside the Berklee community. More