Berklee Global and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Host Emerging Talent Intensive Program in Mexico City

Berklee Global, in partnership with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, hosted the second Emerging Talent Intensive Program, marking its international debut, at Rec Música in Mexico City on Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22. The immersive learning experience, presented by TikTok, took place over two days, guiding 100 aspiring music creators through workshops focused on production, the essentials of songwriting, including lyric and harmony analysis, song structure, stage performance, and marketing music from conception to completion.

The curriculum was led by Berklee College of Music faculty Enrique González Müller, associate professor of music production and engineering, and Kaimy Masse, vocalist and assistant professor in the Ensemble Department, alongside instructors from Rec Música, including producer, arranger, and pianist José Miguel Quijano Toledo and producer and jazz bassist Juan Carlos Sardaneta Cesari. Also joining the program were Latin music industry leaders, including Latin Grammy–winning composer Mónica Vélez and Latin Grammy nominees Horacio Palencia, León Leiden, and Paty Cantú, who served as an official sponsor, as did Fiesta Americana and Kaiser.

"Berklee Global, the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, and Rec Música have collaborated to create a program designed to equip today’s musicians with integrated skills across songwriting, production, performance, and music business—all essential areas in the contemporary music industry,” said González Müller. “Educators from Berklee and Rec Música worked closely to develop custom, symbiotic teaching content with a focus on highlighting and engaging local Mexican artists’ music. The program—made possible through the generous support of TikTok—exemplifies music education excellence, uplifts local culture, and fosters ongoing collaboration within a transformative global network."

"For TikTok, music is part of our DNA," said Laura Reyna, public policy manager for Latin America. "We have proudly taken our musical passion to concrete actions that have revolutionized music. Today, we are not only an ally of established artists, we are a catalyst for new talent and have established extraordinary partnerships with institutions such as the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation. Intensive programs like this help us continue to democratize the industry, remove barriers, and professionalize those who have something to tell the world with their voice, an instrument, and a melody that we will never forget." 

"We are grateful to our partners for their generous support in bringing the second Emerging Talent Intensive Program to Mexico, marking its international debut," said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation. "Together, we are empowering communities through Latin music and culture."

The Emerging Talent Intensive Program was launched earlier this year, and creates engaging, accessible experiences for aspiring performing artists. The program offers students the opportunity to participate in hands-on training through classes and jam sessions based on the broad and dynamic curriculum offered by Berklee College of Music professors and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation guest panelists.

For more information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation website at latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

About the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by the Latin Recording Academy with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs, and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the foundation has donated more than $12.5 million with the support of the Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors, and other generous donors. 

About TikTok 

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Its mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. The company's global headquarters are located in Los Angeles and Singapore, with offices in Mexico City, New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.