Student Spotlight

What’s it like to study here? Our Student Spotlight series asks current students all about their Berklee experience.

Grigori conducting — Grigori Balasanyan BM ’25, composition.

Image courtesy of the artist

Student Spotlight: Grigori Balasanyan

The Armenian composer, who was named Boston Conservatory at Berklee's 2025 student commencement speaker, talks about his opera's premiere and the documentary being made about it, as well as his plans to continue his education at Boston Conservatory.

A still from Ava Della Pietra's music video for "Marionette."

Image by Georgia Nerheim

Student Spotlight: Ava Della Pietra

The singer-songwriter enrolled in the Harvard-Berklee Joint Studies Program talks about her love of medicine and music, overcoming writer's block, and her new single, "Marionette."

Rachel McFarlane holding a Playstation controller

Student Spotlight: Rachel McFarlane

The Canadian composer, who was named the 2025 student commencement speaker, talks about the storytelling power of scoring for film and video games and boosting visibility for composers of color.

A woman singing into a microphone — Image courtesy of Temblores ONG

Student Spotlight: Manuela Sánchez Goubert

The vocalist from Bogotá, Colombia, talks about releasing and touring her album, RAÍCES ("roots"), and how Berklee has helped strengthen her own musical and cultural roots.

a young dark haired man leaning against a building wall — Image by Kelly Davidson

Student Spotlight: Rafael Heredia

The flamenco percussionist is channeling the vibrant music scenes of Japan and Spain in his musical explorations at Berklee, and offers a refreshing take on looking within for inspiration.

Mateo Londoño

Image courtesy of the artist

Student Spotlight: Mateo Londoño

The producer talks about leaving Berklee to grieve the passing of a close friend and fellow student and then returning to finish his degree. He chronicles these emotions in his new song "Pachanga."