Berklee Establishes Susan Tedeschi Scholarship in Honor of Grammy-Winning Alumna
Berklee has created the Susan Tedeschi Scholarship in honor of Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader Susan Tedeschi BM ’91. The Susan Tedeschi Scholarship will be awarded to an exceptional student with demonstrated financial need to pursue their education at Berklee.
This announcement comes as Tedeschi prepares to return to Berklee to headline the Berklee Block Party on Saturday, September 19. The outdoor music festival is the public centerpiece of Berklee’s inaugural Homecoming Weekend and will bring Tedeschi together with fellow alumni Fabiola Méndez BM ’18, Dogs in a Pile, featuring three Berklee alums, and Dreion BM ’20 for an afternoon of performances next to Fenway Park.
Created with a lead gift from a Berklee trustee, the Susan Tedeschi Scholarship provides an enduring connection between Tedeschi’s Berklee legacy and future generations of artists. Tedeschi, one of Berklee’s most distinguished alumni, has built a career defined by extraordinary musicianship, a distinctive artistic voice, and a deep commitment to collaboration, all qualities Berklee seeks to foster in its students.
“Berklee helped me develop my own voice and set me on the path to a life in music,” said Tedeschi. “The people I met and the experiences I had there, especially the chance to perform alongside so many gifted musicians, have stayed with me throughout my career. I’m deeply honored that this scholarship will give another student the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover the artist they want to become. Having this meaningful tribute announced as I return to perform at the Berklee Block Party during the college’s first Homecoming makes it even more special.”
A Boston-area native, Tedeschi began shaping her sound while studying at Berklee and performing in clubs throughout the city. Her 1998 album, Just Won’t Burn, sold more than 500,000 copies and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. She went on to tour with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, and the Allman Brothers Band before cofounding Tedeschi Trucks Band with Derek Trucks. The group’s debut album, Revelator, won the Grammy Award for Best Blues Album.
Tedeschi has maintained a strong connection to Berklee throughout her career, returning to perform, share career advice with students, and accept an Alumni Achievement Award in 2018. Her Block Party appearance brings her back to the city where she formed her first band, discovered the blues through local jam sessions, and began building her career.
“Welcoming Susan home for Berklee’s Block Party and first-ever Homecoming Weekend is an opportunity to celebrate not only her extraordinary musicality, but also the generosity and collaborative spirit that have defined her career,” said Berklee President Jim Lucchese. “This scholarship extends Susan’s legacy of lifting up and mentoring fellow artists, creating opportunities for the next generation. She is one of the most burning guitarists and vocalists to emerge from Boston, and we are excited to welcome her back to Berklee.”
The Berklee Block Party will take place Saturday, September 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 73 Brookline Avenue, adjacent to Fenway Park. General admission and VIP tickets are on sale now, with discounted pricing available for Berklee alumni and all students in the Boston area.
