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 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 manager

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 and events, 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.
• Potential Events and Activities:
  • Artist development workshops
  • Guest speaker series
  • Release strategy masterclass
  • A&R listening sessions

The Core Music LLC is a community built for first-year students looking to excel in their Harmony and Ear Training classes. Core Music classes are like learning a brand-new language, and they are the building blocks of everything students will create. This LLC creates a safe environment for learning and promotes student confidence in passing their Core Music classes. As a partnership with Core Music Tutoring and the Ear Training Department, you’ll take classes with your neighbors, get direct access to tutors and faculty, and build the confidence to master your exams and skills.

LLC Ear Training class placements will be based on Entering Student Proficiency Assessment (ESPA) scores and further in-class evaluation. Most students will be enrolled in cohort-based Ear Training 1 classes in the Fall and Ear Training 2 in the Spring semester.

• Location: 150 Mass Ave.
• Potential Events and Activities:
  • Masterclasses
  • Theory ‘Jams’
  • Grammys watch party
  • Mixed styles sheet music read-alongs

The First Year Experience 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.
• Potential Events and Activities:
  • Songwriting retreat and competition
  • Majors and minors panels
  • Resume reviews and workshopping
  • Open mic night
  • Class registration support

The Healthy Living LLC provides a shared living environment for students who are dedicated to holistic wellness and interested in promoting healthier choices through events and education. This community recognizes the significance of leading a healthier lifestyle for academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being. Healthy Living LLC members have the opportunity to develop a well-balanced life through events focused on mental wellness, stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and more. The Healthy Living LLC is a partnership with Berklee Health and Wellness.

• Location: 150 Mass Ave.
• Potential Events and Activities:
  • Journaling at the docks
  • Music therapy sound bath meditation
  • "Boos Not Booze" Halloween party

The Medley LLC is designed for first-year students at Berklee and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the merger between the Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. This LLC provides a dynamic living-learning experience where Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee students participate in interdisciplinary learning, events, and collaborations. A medley is a piece of music composed from different parts of existing pieces. Just like a medley, this community encourages residents to connect with students outside of their own majors and principles. Students in this LLC will build connections with peers in the Conservatory and the College and develop the skills needed to succeed in a diverse artistic community.

• Location: 26 Fenway
• Potential Events and Activities:
  • Workshops and masterclasses
  • LLC performance showcase
  • Complimentary event tickets

The Overture 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
• Potential Events and Activities:
  • 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 Activities:
  • Specialized orientation
  • Valencia cultural showcase
  • International food and drink nights
  • Small group debriefs

The Social Justice LLC is designed for students who are interested in 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. The Social Justice LLC is a partnership with Berklee’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) office.

• Location: 270 Comm Ave.
• Potential Events and Activities:
  • Drag show
  • Mexican Independence Day parade
  • Identity carousel
  • "Pumpkins and Perspectives" event
  • D&I foundations training
  • HERO Art2Heart and Silent Walk for Black History Month