Shows
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastDr. Lenora Helm Hammonds '82We are kicking off 2026 with an interview featuring alum Dr. Lenora Helm Hammonds ’82, Dean of the Professional Education Division. In this episode, she reflects on her life's journey from student, to industry professional, to dean. Dr. Hammonds also discusses what the Professional Education Division is working on now and her vision for what’s ahead.Playing us out is a song called In from the Cold by alum Patric Skog ’97, featuring Christer Falk & Jens Ståbis.
2026-01-231h 08
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastMatt Mangano '00The last episode of the year is here! In this episode we conducted our 2nd live recording in Nashville, Tennessee with alum and bassist for the Zac Brown Band, Matt Mangano '00, at Southern Ground Studios. Colleen also joins in and reminisces on her time as an R.A. and letting the Lo-Fi Masters record on campus. Playing us out is a song by them called Comfortable with John Mayor and Clay Cook on vocals and Matt on bass.
2025-12-1959 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastLIVE at GBH StudioWe were thrilled to film our very first live podcast episode at the GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library. Joining us are Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dean of Musical Theater, Krisha Marcano and Berklee Director of Industry Relations, Latoya Lee. The episode also features a live performance by Berklee student Su Yavuz.A very special thanks to WGBH, Juan Jose Cadena, Sandra López Burke, and the entire studio crew.
2025-11-151h 04
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastCharlie Puth ’13Another year, another season 0f Pass the Mic! In this episode we talk with Alumni Achievement Award recipient and industry innovator Charlie Puth. Also in this episode, Padriac loses another Brassy, Variations Signature Series gets its laurels, and episode 2 gets a big tease.Playing us out: Sway by Kelsey Blackstone ’21Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with your support, their artistry and ingenuity will see no end. We invite you to explore some of Berklee’s current philanthropic priorities and learn abou...
2025-10-0151 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastClip Show!We're taking a queue from our favorite sitcoms and putting on a clip show for our season finale. In this episode hear Mark Kelley ’24 talk about his one degree of separation from Beyonce, and Jan Esbra ’16 and Mariya Ksondzyk (B.M. ’17, M.M. ’19, viola) discuss the impact of prison music programs. Matt Sallee ’19 nerds out on a capella and Natalie Toro shuts down Steven Spielberg's set.Season 3 premiers in the fall. Thank you all for your support. We'll see you soon!Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the w...
2025-06-1130 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastGus Borner ’89Grab your jackets everybody! It may be 49 degrees in May in Boston, but we're having class outside. Jaquel and Padriac recap this episode at the park in the Pru. We say goodbye to our student employee and podcast editor, Jonah, and Zack Lucia joins us as we talk to Gus Borner about building a business with a freelance mentality.Playing us out: The Bean TonesOur students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with your support, their artistry and ingenuity will see no end. We...
2025-05-2350 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastJoel Goodman ’84Emmy-winner Joel Goodman has scored more than 150 film and television programs that have reseived 5 Oscar nominations and 30 Emmy awards. He has scored over 40 films for HBO, 4 ESPN 30 for 30 episodes, and composed the main theme for the long-running and critically acclaimed PBS series American Experience. In this episode, Joel talks about his creative and professional processes, and how staying curious is a key to his success. Playing us out is Evan Nachimson ’16 the third and final subject of our Variations Signature Series, which can be found at youtube.com/berkleealumniOur students and faculty ar...
2025-04-2854 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastNatalie Toro (BFA ’86, musical theater)Boston Conservatory at Berklee alumna Natalie Toro (BFA ’86, musical theater) is a woman of many firsts. The first American to play Eponine in Les Miserables, the youngest actor to play Grizabella in Cats, and the first latina to play Eva Peron in Evita. Her career is full of life lessons, fabulous stories, and a flair only Natalie can bring.We recorded this interview while Natalie was on campus to receive an Alumni Achievement Award.Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with yo...
2025-03-2156 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastKevin Ross ’09In this episode, singer-songwriter/producer Kevin Ross sits down with Jaquel (only) to talk about life, the pivot, and the future of R&B.Playing us out is Dhy Edwardsberry AKA Neon Blk. Dhy is featured in the premiere of our Berklee Alumni Variation Signature Series you can find on our YouTube Channel: BerkleeAlumniOur students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with your support, their artistry and ingenuity will see no end. We invite you to explore some of Berklee’s current ph...
2025-02-2758 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastRobert KraftRobert Kraft (no, not that one) wrote music for TV and film, served as president of Fox Music for 20 years, and produced the soundtrack to your childhood. The man has done so much in music that we didn't even get to his Academy Award nomination!In this episode, we talk about Robert's early recording career, filmmaking with Bruce Willis, and pursuing the work that you love. For alumni impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles, we have compiled a list of resources here: https://college.berklee.edu/alumni/alumni-benefitsOur students and faculty...
2025-01-2950 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastMatt Sallee ’19Matt Sallee, member of the Grammy Award-winning a capella group Pentatonix, stopped by campus while on tour. We geeked out on a capella, talked about his family, and gave him some Berklee homework! We also preview Alumni Affairs happenings coming this spring. Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with your support, their artistry and ingenuity will see no end. We invite you to explore some of Berklee’s current philanthropic priorities and learn about our schools and campuses in Boston and beyond. To learn more, pl...
2024-12-1250 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastChandrika TandonIn this episode Joy Allen, Chair of the Music Therapy Department and Director of the Music and Health Institute, shares five tips for using music to regulate stress. We interview Chandrika Tandon, former Berklee Trustee, Grammy Award-nominated artist, and trailblazing philanthropist. Chandrika talks about the journey of creating her latest album, Ammu's Treasures, and the importance of music in changing the world. Also in this episode, Padriac says "Power Station" weirdly. Jaquel is the consummate professional as always.
2024-11-2649 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastPrison Music ProgramsIn our first ever College and Conservatory mashup, we interview college alumnus Jan Esbra ’16 and conservatory alumna Mariya Ksondzyk (B.M. ’17, M.M. ’19, viola) about their work teaching and performing music to prison populations. We also get to learn more about student employees Deni and Luis and get to listen to alumni music!Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with your support, their artistry and ingenuity will see no end. We invite you to explore some of Berklee’s current...
2024-10-3048 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastMark Kelley ’24Alumni Achievement Award recipient Mark Kelley talks about his career path, landing the gig as bass player for The Roots, and playing in the house band for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with your support, their artistry and ingenuity will see no end. We invite you to explore some of Berklee’s current philanthropic priorities and learn about our schools and campuses in Boston and beyond. To learn more, please visit: https://www.berklee.edu/giving
2024-09-2750 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastMeet the Team Bonus Episode: Colleen Glenney ’01Listen to the extended interview with Colleen Glenney ’01, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs. We discuss Colleen's performing career after Berklee, and the wealth of diversity within the alumni community.If you would like to support Berklee, visit berklee.edu/giving
2024-07-1915 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastMeet the Team Bonus Episode: Dāna and ZackListen to the extended interview between Dāna James B.M. ’09, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs, and Zack Lucia B.M. ’14, Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs. We discuss the needs and resources unique to working on the West Coast.If you would like to support Berklee, visit berklee.edu/giving
2024-07-1913 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastMeet the Team Bonus Episode: Joe and GeorgiaIn this bonus episode, you willl hear an extended interview with Joe Dreeszen, Senior Director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving, and Georgia Lipari (B.F.A ’18, dance), Project Manager for Alumni Affairs. We get to know a bit more about Joe and Georgia, and discuss what the merger between the College and the Conservatory mean to alumni.If you would like to support Berklee, visit berklee.edu/giving
2024-07-1913 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastMeet the TeamIn this episode, you will meet the Alumni Affairs team! We are thrilled to speak with members of the alumni community, and love it when you reach out to us. Email alumniaffairs@berklee.edu with any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions. Segments:Digial Engagement TeamPadriac Farma, Associate Director, Digital EngagementJaquel Eley, Assistant Director, Digital EngagementBoston Office Joe Dreeszen, Senior Director, Alumni Affairs and Annual GivingGeorgia Lipari (BFA ’18, dance), Project ManagerWest Coast TeamDāna James ’09, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs in Los AngelesZack Lucia ’14, Assistant Directo...
2024-04-2248 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastKaren Peterson Corash (B.F.A. '76, dance)In this episode Padriac was very excited to use the term, "mixed bag." He wasn't wrong, however. We hear from alumni who attended the LA Brunch, we talk about the podcast's origin story, and we hear one of Jaquel's very first podcast interviews with the talented and business savvy BoCo alumna, Karen Peterson Corash (B.F.A. '76, dance). To cap it off, we are played out by singer-songwriter Sarah Eide ’11. Our students and faculty are pushing the limits of music, dance, and theater all over the world, and with your support, their artistry and in...
2024-03-2750 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastBlack Scholars InitiativeIn this episode, we speak with the Black Scholars Initiative (BSI) alumni panelists Therlande Louissaint, Abria Smith, and Jaymz Hardy-Martin III. We learn about the evolution of holistic education and we make some friends along the way!To support programs like the Black Scholars Initiative, please visit berklee.edu/giving
2024-02-2058 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastQuinton Morris (M.M. '04, violin)In this episode Boston Conservatory at Berklee alumnus Quinton Morris (M.M. '04, violin) talks about his academic career as both student and educator, his search for nuturing in music, and the work ethic he found to create success.We also say goodbye to Bill Belichick, and kick off 2024.If you would like to support Berklee, visit berklee.edu/givingNews Theme 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Artist: http://audionautix.com/
2024-01-2749 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastSeth Saltzman ’81Seth Saltzman is the senior vice president of Global Services at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), where he has worked in a variety of roles since 1984. He has extensive experience working with writers and publishers on issues related to music licensing, copyrights, royalties, and other matters.ASCAP is a membership association of more than 640,000 U.S. composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers of every kind of music. Through agreements with affiliated international societies, ASCAP also represents hundreds of thousands of music creators worldwide. ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization created...
2023-12-1336 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastSOMOS LatinxIn this episode alumni Isaac Matus ’18, Jeremy Bosh ’12, and Nella Rojas ’15 visited the SOMOS Latinx pre-orientation program, and took some time to sit down with former Alumni Affairs staff member, Magdalena Abrego ’2016.Also in this episode we learn about SOMOS Latinx from Berklee staff member Ty-Juana Flores, and fire off some rapid questions with student employees Luis and Denny.If you would like to support Berklee, visit berklee.edu/giving
2023-11-2754 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastTommy Torres ’93In this episode Jaquel and Padriac share some fun facts about themselves, and Tommy Torres ’93 talks about being in the studio with Ricky Martin, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and collaborating with Bad Bunny.
2023-10-2740 min
Pass the Mic: A Berklee Alumni PodcastPinar Toprak ’00Berklee Alumni Achievement Award recipient Pinar Toprak ’00 talks about her process for scoring films, and the journey of pursuing her career.
2023-09-1923 min
Mike’s Moment Of...Mike's Moment Of... Sound Track: Teacher & EngineerFor EP 018 of #MikesMomentOf I catch up with a great friend from Berklee College, Studio Engineer Marc Lacuesta. He shares some Nashville stories and a bit about his new post at Interlochen Arts Academy. @interlochenarts @puppytn @aelsean @berkleealumni Marc Lacuesta is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering and Vocal Performance, as well as a graduate of Kenyon College with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. He has worked in professional commercial music as an audio engineer and producer for over 20 years and been a guest lecturer a...
2020-06-151h 00
Mike's Moment Of... PodcastMike's Moment Of... Sound Track: Teacher & EngineerFor EP 018 of #MikesMomentOf I catch up with a great friend from Berklee College, Studio Engineer Marc Lacuesta. He shares some Nashville stories and a bit about his new post at Interlochen Arts Academy. @interlochenarts @puppytn @aelsean @berkleealumni Marc Lacuesta is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering and Vocal Performance, as well as a graduate of Kenyon College with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. He has worked in professional commercial music as an audio engineer and producer for over 20 years and been a guest lecturer a...
2020-06-151h 00
Sounds of BerkleeLife After Berklee: The Nth Power and Nikki Glaspie '05LISTEN: The Nth Power just released their debut album "Abundance" and can be seen this Friday, November 27 at The Sinclair. Earlier this year, we had a conversation with bandleader, drummer and #BerkleeAlumni Nikki Glaspie '05 about life after Berklee, including her five years touring the globe with Beyoncé and the formation of her new band. For more, visit thenthpowermusic.com
2015-11-2542 min
Sounds of BerkleeJenn Bostic '08, "Counterfeit"July 21, 2015 | By Curtis KillianBehind the Song "Counterfeit" with #BerkleeAlumni Jenn Bostic:"Counterfeit is a song of deceit, uncovering the true colors of someone or something that has misinterpreted the truth. Whether it be a lover or a negative voice in your mind, it’s wrapped in beautiful clothing, slowly pulling you into its lie. It’s important to silence those voices and follow your heart’s desire."Watching this song come to life was an incredible experience. Lauren Christy and I wrote it during our first writing session at her home in Los Angeles. Two songs from the album were writte...
2015-07-2003 min