Living Learning Communities (LLCs)

The Africana Studies Living Learning Community (LLC) is a partnership between the Africana Studies Division and Housing and Residential Education that offers a transformational educational experience for students invested in the study of Black Creative Expression. Guided by the shared goals of mastery in performance, academic excellence, and holistic student development, this living learning community is open to all continuing students from Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee who are Africana Studies majors, minors, or have expressed intent to declare. Community residents will be selected through an application process managed by Housing and Residential Education. 

The goal of the Africana Studies LLC is to enhance the collegiate experience through curated activities, programs, and events that build community, inspire active global citizenship, and offer a courageous space for the exploration of art & culture from within the African Diaspora. 

• Location: 54 Fenway
• Potential events and activities:
  • Dinner with the Dean
  • Visit to the Peabody Essex Museum to view the As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic exhibit
  • Mentoring sessions with Africana Studies faculty members
  • Visit to the Museum of Fine Arts to view the New Musings on Blackness exhibit
  • Rock climbing with the Africana Studies program panager

The Artist Development LLC is designed for students looking to develop their artistry through an entrepreneurial lens. In partnership with the Music Business Department, residents will explore key aspects of self-management, marketing, branding, and career development to build sustainable careers in the music industry. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaborative projects, students will gain hands-on experience in navigating the business side of their artistry while fostering a supportive network of like-minded creatives.

• Location: 160 Mass Ave.
• Proposed programming:
  • Headshots and branding masterclass
  • Team networking: Find A… (Producer, Songwriter, Manager, etc.)
  • Website creation workshop
  • Guest speaker series

The First Year Experience Living Learning Community (LLC) provides first-year students with a supportive and engaging residential environment as they transition to college life. By living alongside peers who share similar academic and artistic aspirations, students can form meaningful connections, collaborate creatively, and build a strong foundation for their Berklee journey. Dedicated staff members offer proactive support through intentional programs, outreach, and experiences designed to foster personal growth, academic success, and a sense of belonging within the Berklee community.

• Location: 160 Mass Ave.
• Examples of previous programs and experiences:
  • Songwriting retreat and competition
  • Majors and minors panels
  • Resume reviews and workshopping
  • Open mic night

The Healthy Living and Substance Free LLC provides a substance-free environment for students who are dedicated to holistic wellness and interested in promoting healthier choices through programming and education. While this is not a space exclusively for those choosing abstinence around using substances, an important aspect of this LLC is the focus on community care, and this includes mindfulness that members may be exploring sobriety or navigating recovery. This community recognizes the significance of leading a healthier lifestyle for academic success, personal growth, overall well-being, and a sense of community. Healthy Living and Substance Free LLC members have the opportunity to develop a well-balanced life through workshops and programs focused on mental wellness, stress-management, nutrition, physical activity, and more. The Healthy Living and Substance Free LLC is supported by the Office of Student Wellness Promotion and Services.

• Location: 150 Mass Ave.
• Examples of previous programs and experiences:
  • Journaling at the docks
  • Music therapy sound bath meditation
  • Boos not booze Halloween party 

The Music Theory LLC is directed toward first-year students who are interested in focusing on music theory while enrolled in a shared Ear Training I course during the fall semester. As a partnership with CORE Music Tutoring and the Ear Training Department, this LLC aims to foster community among students centered on a shared appreciation for music theory. Participants will collaboratively examine the fundamental elements that construct and govern the language of music, including notes, scales, chords, rhythm, melody, harmony, and form. This LLC uniquely connects students with peers, tutors, live-in staff, and faculty to promote a dynamic learning environment and strong artistic community. Through active participation in the LLC, students will develop skills that will help them succeed academically, engage in self-discovery to better understand themselves as learners and musicians, and enhance their ability to create, analyze, and interpret music.

• Location: 150 Mass Ave.
• Examples of previous programs and experiences:
  • Barbershop quartet with solfege sight reading
  • Tchaikovsky composition concert with sheet music read-along
  • Composition masterclass
  • Grammys watch party and debrief discussion

This LLC is designed for first-year students at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, providing an immersive living-learning experience that supports their transition into conservatory life. Like an overture setting the stage for a performance, this community fosters artistic, academic, and social growth by connecting students with peers who share similar ambitions in music, theater, and dance. Residents benefit from proactive support, specialized programming, and mentorship focused on industry expectations, artistic collaboration, and performer wellness. Through masterclasses, workshops, and networking events, students will build meaningful connections and develop the skills needed to thrive in their conservatory journey.

• Location: 24 Fenway
• Examples of previous programs and experiences:
  • Professional headshots
  • Audition masterclasses
  • Trips to local theaters and performances

The Return from First Year Abroad LLC is designed for second-year/third-semester students transitioning from Berklee’s First Year Abroad program to the Boston campus. This community supports students as they integrate into Berklee Boston, build new social and academic connections, and navigate the unique challenges of transitioning from an international learning experience to the Boston campus environment. This LLC fosters a supportive and engaging environment for students returning from their Valencia first-year experience. By providing tailored resources and structured programming, this LLC helps students navigate academic, social, and cultural adjustments while strengthening their connection to the Berklee Boston community.

• Location: 12 Hemenway
• Potential events and activites:
  • Specialized orientation
  • Valencia cultural showcase
  • International food and drink nights
  • Small group debriefs

The Social Justice LLC is designed for students who are keen on exploring subjects such as privilege, power dynamics, identity, systems of oppression, and driving social change. Within this community, residents will have diverse learning opportunities, including film screenings, attending performances, engaging in service projects, interacting with guest speakers, participating in article discussions, and attending workshops. Additionally, they will actively participate in dialogues with staff, faculty, and members of the Boston community, equipping themselves with the necessary tools to create positive change both within and beyond the Berklee community. 

• Location: 270 Comm Ave.
• Examples of previous programs and experiences:
  • Drag shows
  • Mexican Independence Day parade
  • Identity carousel
  • Pumpkins and Perspectives event
  • D&I Foundations
  • HERO Art2Heart and Silent Walk for Black History Month