On this page, you can find the Culminating Experience (CE) Projects for all graduate students from the Berklee College of Music master’s program Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration) (CPPD) from 2015 – present. Click on any title for more information and access to the full paper and other deliverables (if available).
-
Existential Impressions
Claire Adams
2024As an experimental artist with a background in contemporary classical music and philosophy, I felt the need to transition from interpreting music to creating it, in order to fully participate in the intersubjective dialogue of meaning creation we call art. Therefore, I decided to develop my artistic identity by blending my distinctive influences into a unique and cohesive artistic proposal, while also researching and reflecting on my own creative process. This project entails the development of a concept album in which each composition gives an artistic expression to one of our most human existential doubts, the ones that lie at the core of our metaphysical preconceptions of the world around us. Therefore, these songs are an invitation for reflection and contemplation in our fast-paced and ever-changing societies. In addition, this concept also provides an artistic framework in which to freely experiment with different approaches to music and to blend elements from many different genres in a cohesive way. As a consequence, developing this project has been very valuable for me, providing me with the necessary experience to mature my artistic vision and identity, transitioning into an artist who creates experimental art-songs with a fusion of neoclassical elements and ambient electronics.
-
Authenticity Meets Innovation
Tony Barhoum
2024This paper presents my EP which marks a debut of me as a soloist featuring the Kanun as a lead instrument inspired by flamenco rhythms and blend middle eastern with EDM. This EP contains four original tracks that combine different music genres in different styles as well as one flamenco cover by the legendary flamenco artist Paco de Lucia adapted and arranged specifically for the Kanun. Two of the tracks are inspired by the flamenco rhythms, Buleria and Fandangos de Huelva, the third track blends EDM with microtonal ornaments and middle eastern music as well as one traditional microtonal composition.
The primary objective of this project is to present an innovative style of music that blends different genres together while honoring the traditions and the authenticity of the Kanun as a traditional instrument and the flamenco heritage. It is also meant to place the Kanun into an innovative style of music by blending it with EDM.
The result of this EP does not only add to the diversity of contemporary music but it also encourages the new generation of musicians and producers to explore and dig deeper into the contemporary style and go beyond the boundaries of traditions.
-
"Songs of Self: Navigating Tradition and Identity Through Music "
Roy Benshimol
2024This project represents a profound voyage of artistic and self-exploration, encapsulating my journey as an artist blending modern music influences with my diverse ethnic background to craft a unique artistic voice. Central to this culminating experience was the practical application of research through composition, performance, and recording.
By arranging Sephardic melodies into contemporary compositions, I collaborated with musicians to bring these fusions to life in the studio, honing my skills in music production and performance.
Beyond creative expression, this endeavor aimed to preserve and celebrate Sephardic Jewish music, documenting the intentional fusion of ancient and modern sounds to ensure its resonance for future generations.
This project is not just the creation of an album but a profound exploration of personal identity and cultural heritage.
As I prepare to share this work, it marks a significant milestone in my lifelong pursuit of musical and personal growth, celebrating the enduring spirit of my roots and identity through a harmonious blend of introspection, creativity, and cultural pride.
-
Transits Round Trip Between Modern and Traditional Music
Cintia Bonilla
2024This project represents for me the possibility to deepen my musical exploration from the composition, arrangements and piano adaptations of different rhythms of the world, with a main axis that is the Currulao rhythm of the Colombian Pacific, finding connections and creating conversations between different languages as Afro-latin rhythms and Flamenco music. I have also expressed my creative processes and findings in terms of rhythmic, harmonic, melodic language. It should be noted that the development of these processes is purely personal and from a respectful perspective, which has no comparison nor replaces the traditional practices of these musics and the contexts in which they are developed. It is definitely an experimental approach to these languages, which have enriched and inspired me for several years of my life, thanks to my family context, the people with whom I have been fortunate to connect and share, the musical groups in which I have worked, festivals and research spaces in Colombia.
-
Soul Sounds: Fusing Sound Healing and R&B
Jaylin Brown
2024The purpose of this reflection is to outline my incorporation of sound healing elements into the R&B genre. My overall goal is to reinforce my identity as an artist who creates healing music, developing a foundation on creating sound healing influenced music within future collaborations, and aiding in the healing of my global community through music. To achieve this, I conducted a survey of an audience sample to understand healing from their perspective, interviewed a sound healer from my hometown, hosted a panel of musicians from around the world, and studied the history and science of Ayurvedic sound healing through singing bowls. What I found was that the experience of healing through music is entirely subjective and based on one’s personal experiences. Additionally, I found that to be a healing artist I must heal myself, and the healing that shows through my music can serve as healing for others. Congruent to this, I applied various engineering and mixing techniques to assist in incorporating sound healing into the R&B genre, ultimately producing an EP that outlines the western chakra system. These elements include singing bowl tuned to D, sample sounds (thunder, rain, ocean, etc.) to create space for healing, ethereal background vocals to create atmosphere within the mix, mantra-like lyrics to promote intention within each chakra, and varying musical and vocal techniques to portray specific emotions. In pairing this project with a redeveloped artist identity, I analyze my brand, brand kit, and audience to appropriately sync the music with my overall artist presentation and identity. The reflection concludes with a professional development plan, outlining my release, means of employment within the music industry, and future plans of developing a curriculum in healing music aimed to encourage the next generation of artists to heal the world through music.
-
Moody Sessions
Nicole Brown
2024The purpose of this project is to create the pilot of a live studio recording session and document the process of its development. My first challenge to the process was in creating definition around the concept of collaborative arrangement. As a jazz musician amongst mostly classical musicians, the idea of recording an improvised version of a standard was not immediately understood. This paper explains the cultural perspective that my background as a Black American musician provides through the methodology of autoethnography. The research helps to define collaborative arrangement and show how it can be useful for musicians of all backgrounds.
Additionally, and through the process of developing the session which ultimately was recorded with a local jazz musician, I document my practice based research of what I have learned about becoming a better producer, integrating new ways to approach arrangement and composition, as well as recording and performance. I hope to apply the lessons I have learned here to a larger context and recreate these collaborative sessions with musicians the world over.
-
Integrating the Buddha's Philosophy, East-Asian Instruments, Cross-Genre Elements in Original Songs: A Journey Through True Experience
Yosuke Chatmaleerat
2024This Culminating Experience paper explores the integration of Buddha's philosophy, East Asian instruments, and cross-genre elements in original songs, reflecting my unique life journey as a helicopter pilot, classical pianist, and Buddhist monk across diverse cultural experiences. The goal is to create music through the Noble Eightfold Path and meditation as creative tool, that transcends traditional boundaries, fostering spiritual and societal values inspired by Buddha's teachings. By blending traditional East Asian instruments like the Guzheng, Shamisen, Erhu, Khim, and Ranad with modern digital audio workstations such as Ableton LIVE and Pro Tools, I aim to bridge the gap between rich heritage and contemporary music technology. This project employs methodologies like literature review, auto-ethnography, and creative research to explore the socio-cultural and historical contexts of Buddhism and East Asian cultures while contrasting collective and individualistic societal norms. Through this approach, I strive to inspire listeners to embrace their individuality, connect with their roots, and discover their unique spiritual purposes. This work aspires to promote self-love and cultural connection, serving as a foundation for addressing internal and external challenges with loving-kindness and the pursuit of personal truth and wisdom, transcending boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and sexual identity.
-
A Love Story: The Liz Claire Collective, Intertwinings of Classical, Rag, Maqam and Jazz
Elizabeth Claire
2024Over the course of 2023-2024, I’ve created the seeds for a global collective of music, The Liz Claire Collective, collaborating with musicians from diverse cultures and backgrounds. With a focus on music from America, India and the Middle East, we are building a repertoire of both traditional music, modern arrangements and original music. The body of work blends elements of each tradition, including improvisation, rag, maqam, and colorful harmony. La Cielo, my debut EP featuring The Liz Claire Collective, will be released this fall.
-
Contemporary A Cappella On A Global Scale
Celine Durney
2024Through this project, I set out to explore the scene of contemporary a cappella music outside my home country of the United States. This process began with interviewing nearly thirty vocal ensembles and arrangers from different parts of the world about their general perspectives, experiences, and implementations of vocal and contemporary a cappella music. Based on their responses, I identified a variety of creative techniques that could be applied directly into my own approach as a singer, vocal arranger, and producer. This inspired the idea of creating a collection of songs from around the world that would be rearranged in a contemporary a cappella setting. This collection is called Seven Wonders, featuring seven different songs spanning the globe from India to Chile as well as Ireland to South Africa, which were all arranged, rehearsed, recorded, and produced while at Berklee Valencia. Throughout this process, I learned how to better collaborate with others and unleash my creativity in a whole new way. The final step is to release these songs on both streaming platforms and through sheet music publishing companies to provide opportunities for singers to learn and perform this music wherever they are in the world.
-
Unlocking Creativity: Exploring the Journey of Songwriting
Filopatir Ebid
2024This project is an exploration of creativity and finding different avenues to accessing the creative state of mind when creating music. Find My Intention, Run Away, and Never Stop Lovin’ You are three examples of songs that are the product of this research. This paper is a reflection of the songwriting and arranging processes of each of these tunes and how I was able to navigate the obstacles that came along the way using creative outlets that I have discovered throughout this project. I found ways to use my experience in a wide variety of genres, spanning from opera and musical theater to RnB and soul, to find my unique songwriting voice. This paper demonstrates the learning process of writing for my voice and how I could best highlight the instrument that I carry. The project is centered around breaking the self-doubt concept and exploring tools to be in a creative space where there is no judgment of the outcome.
-
The Rhythm as a Resource
Marco Joshep Falcon Medrano
2024This project aims to demonstrate how powerful rhythm can be when used as a resource to create new ideas, specifically through the analysis and application of rhythmic cells from traditional music in a contemporary music context. It explores how to use resources from the past to inspire and create ideas for the future. It is important to note that being inspired by traditional music doesn’t mean the composition will take a world music direction; it is just a rhythmic cell, a resource. To demonstrate this concept, I produced an album where each song was composed using a method I created to utilize rhythmic cells. I will explain each step of this method in detail, analyzing the creative process. During the process, it was challenging to manage the production time. I decided to record all the instrumentation by myself except for strings and vocals and also took care of the mixing process. Although this has been complex, it has helped me improve several aspects of the production process. This material is designed for every musician to expand their perspective on the composition and arrangement process. It is hoped that my work will inspire our community.
-
From Band Member to Artist; Regional Mexican Music
Saul Flores
2024As a Mexican-American from Dallas, Texas, USA, I grew up in a country that had very little in common with my parents’ home. Nonetheless, I always felt more connected to Mexican culture, especially its music. Although I was a classically trained violinist, I found my true passion for music when I started to play and sing Mariachi music, one of Mexico’s proudest genres within Regional Mexican music. I am happy to have such an exciting career in Mariachi music thus far. I have performed in some incredible venues in the United States such as the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center), Footprint Center, and the Sandia Casino & Resort with Mexican artists such as Los Tigres del Norte, Larry Hernandez, and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. These performances helped me develop as a bend member at the highest level. And although there are many responsibilities that come with being a great band member, this project explores my first experiences as band leader. By discovering the artistic responsibilities of leading a band, I found different creative ways to enhance my musicianship through songwriting, arranging, and harmony. Prior to my studies at Berklee, I wanted to be a session musician. Now I find myself striving to become an artist, songwriter, and music producer. My arrangements and original songs demonstrate a strong understanding of Mexican music and its market but also feature my creative abilities.
-
The Resonance of Emotion: Incorporating the expressive power of voice in Flamenco into my music
Carmel Gozlan
2024This thesis aims to solidify my artistic identity by connecting my Sephardic roots with the newly found influences of Flamenco, incorporating insights gained from this research into my music. By exploring the rich vocal traditions and cultural expressions of Flamenco music, I endeavor to create a unique and authentically influenced sound. This thesis involves an analysis of historical and cultural contexts, as well as new compositions and performances inspired by these influences. Through the integration of these diverse musical heritages, I aim to develop an authentic and innovative artistic expression that honors my heritage and embraces the vibrant elements of Flamenco, contributing to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural influences in contemporary music.
-
Clarinet in Arabic Music
Serkan Hakki
2024This research paper discusses the introduction of G Clarinet to the realm of Arabic music. The study paper will primarily focus on introducing the Clarinet into Arabic music taking into account the nature of transposition in G Clarinet and the nature of Arabic music Maqam theory.
A comprehensive analysis of the essential Maqams theory, which forms the foundation of Arabic music, this study aims to identify potential points of differences and commonalities. Additionally, it seeks to break potential barriers that a Western-trained clarinet player may face when learning Arabic Maqam music.
This research will simplify the complicated stereotypes surrounding Maqam music and highlight the similarities in terminology between Western genres, such as classical music and jazz, and Arabic Maqam music.
-
Reimagining Tradition: Sama’i Music in a Modern Context
Milad Ibdah
2024This thesis explores the modernization of traditional Sama’i compositions through reharmonization and the integration of unconventional instruments. Sama’i, a significant genre in Arabic and Turkish classical music, is characterized by its distinct 10/8 rhythm known as Sama’i Thaqeel. The study aims to preserve the essence of these classical pieces while making them accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences.
The initial phase involved identifying the central tonality of the Sama’i compositions, typically rooted in minor or Phrygian scales. Two compositions have been successfully reharmonized and recorded, utilizing chords related to these keys and incorporating instruments such as the double bass, piano, and drums. These recordings demonstrate a blend of traditional and modern elements, meeting contemporary sound standards.
The project is ongoing, with four additional compositions currently being reharmonized and recorded. The goal is to produce a complete album featuring a selection of reharmonized Sama’i pieces, presented in a modern context while retaining their traditional charm.
Case studies, including Tatyos Efendi’s "Sama’i Hijaz Kar Kurd," highlight the balance between tradition and innovation. This approach has led to a renewed appreciation for traditional Sama’i music, a deeper understanding of its harmonic potential, and a successful merging of old and new musical elements.
Future directions include completing the reharmonization and recording process, exploring further innovative blends of traditional and modern music, and expanding the repertoire. This work contributes to the preservation and revitalization of Middle Eastern musical heritage, ensuring its continued relevance in the contemporary music scene.
-
The Art of Fusion: ~Crafting a Unique Musical Identity~
Miyu Imai
2024"The Art of Fusion: ~Crafting a Unique Musical Identity~" explores Miyu Imai’s journey as a versatile contemporary musician and performer, through the intersection of American and Japanese culture, while blending the boundaries between classical and contemporary music. Originating from Tokyo, Japan, Miyu's musical journey begins through family influence, and formal education at prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School, Aspen Music Festival, Harvard University, and Berklee School of Music. With a mission to spread joy and positivity through music, this culminating experience project documents the journey as Miyu finds her musical identity through various elements needed to pursue contemporary artistry. Miyu's project also entails arrangements and original compositions, as a reflection on her artistic growth. Her journey shows the impact of individual identity and cultural resonance in shaping identity, highlighting the transformative power of music to inspire, connect, and spread positivity.
-
Creating Music With Colour (Synesthesia in the Creative Process)
Avery Kadish
2024As a Synesthete, and a singer/songwriter, I’ve set out to determine, employing my master's degree thesis, how my chromesthesia could be used as a tool affecting creativity. Through exploration, I conducted collaborative exercises with my peers to investigate how other creatives, some Synesthetes, and some not, interpret and conceptualize music. Songwriters typically compose based on emotion, lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm. By adding a visual component, colour, based on my associations, I am able to change the creative process through a mix of sound and perception, shaping an interesting form of musical expression through sensory experiences. This presentation, using performance and visuals, will highlight some of my findings, along with my Synesthetic concomitance, as it relates to the creation of original work. I will explore how the perception of certain chord qualities creates a colour palette and linked to the lyrical form can solidify related symbolism, thus providing a new process in collaborative and individual composition.
-
From Zero to Infinity
Nuoen Lin
2024This project is a 10-month observation of my newborn songwriting duo and how we created our first EP. I have always been passionate about songwriting. As a big fan of band music, I want to collaborate with musicians in songwriting. At Berklee, I found the perfect partner similar to me in musical intuition yet different in our professional background.
We have created an EP of 6 songs that journal our musical, personal and collective growth. Our music blends into our professional training backgrounds, musical taste and personal experience. We ended up writing an EP that includes genres of symphonic/theatrical rock, indie pop, pop rock, and soul-pop. In some particular songs, we have even fused some Chinese Opera.
For this project, we collaborated with musicians from our program, producers from MPTI, composers from SFTV, and managers at GEMB. As a case study, I will summarize the essential lessons and knowledge I have gained.
-
The Black Strings
Matthew Major
2024The goal of this paper is to demonstrate my findings on the newest violin techniques we can observe in contemporary music. Ever since I was a child, I wondered why the violin wasn't so prominent in the contemporary music scene. It is also to demonstrate the evolution of my musician and artist persona here at Berklee, since it was here where I truly changed from a musician into an Artist. Here, I will discuss my story and why I am the musician I am today.
The first kind of methodology I plan to use for my CE project is performative, or practice based research.The second methodology, was to conduct historical musicological research. I plan to record data, and also compose at least one or two songs that might implement some of the concepts I have learned through the historical research and practice of concepts.
The violin has always been seen as a very Avante-Garde and difficult instrument to master in both the classical and jazz genres In this paper you will also read about some of the extreme musical influences that have influenced me growing up, and as well as my sound.
-
Incorporation of Sound Bath Technique into modern artistic expression
Hana Melcrová
2024I dedicated this year and my master’s cumulative experience to developing my unique artistic approach by integrating all the specific styles I work with. Primarily, I examined and researched the Sound Bath Technique and incorporated it into my artistic expression.
I conducted Sound Baths and analyzed their effects, engaged in research on Sound Healing, and applied specific techniques I studied during my time at Berklee College of Music (Valencia). Throughout the year, I experimented with various methods to blend sound healing techniques into my music and analyzed the music I created without specific intentions.
The challenge was to seamlessly merge all my styles (Pop-Rock, Classical music, and Spirituality-Sound Healing). I worked very intuitively, and by the end of the year, a distinct style emerged in my music, which I now call “Spiritual Cinematic Rock.”
My message to everyone is to learn, get inspired, work hard, seek feedback, but most importantly, be yourself and trust the process and your intuition.
-
El Condór : A musical conversation between Latin American rhythms (Empirical musician) & western contemporary music (academic musicians).
Sebastian Noriega Acosta
2024The objective of this culminating project was to elaborate a systematic analysis about the composition and recording process of a musical product in which western contemporary genres and Latin American rhythms were blended. The proposal favored the participation between empirical and academically trained musician building knowledge bridges where a song was created. In accordance “El Condór” was composed based on a blending musical journey between Vallenato, Cumbia, Bembe, Jazz, Funk and Rock. The Methodology used was a performative research with a qualitative approach to explore and enhance multiple composition skills, as well as observe and analyze the process of development of the song.
-
Music Composition: Strategies from Around the World
Giordano Pagotti
2024The study of music at universities has long been focused on Western traditions, often sidelining the rich musical heritages from other parts of the world. This project aims to propose forms of collection, organisation and systematisation that include those diverse global music practices into a cohesive framework, for composition and pedagogy. This includes compiling a collection of compositional techniques from various global traditions, organising them both geographically and by musical aspects, as well as proposing pedagogical strategies to support their integration into composition courses. The methodology combines qualitative literature review, musical analysis, creation of musical examples and composition exercises, and practical interviews with musicians from diverse backgrounds. The project emphasizes respect for the cultural origins of the music, while encouraging cross-cultural creative exploration. The ultimate goal is to expand the palette of techniques available to composers, encouraging a more inclusive understanding of music that transcends traditional Western-centric views. The findings and materials from this research will serve as tools for educators and composers, promoting a more global perspective in music education and creation.
-
The genesis of a creative tool starting from interdisciplinarity
Franco Pinazzo
2024This work explores the relationship between music and architecture, proposing a conceptual album that intertwines these two art forms through the lens of phenomenology. Rooted in a background of diverse artistic influences, the project aims to translate architectural concepts into musical compositions, reflecting the notion of "promenade" as theorized by Le Corbusier.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, the thesis not only theorizes on the connections between art forms but also materializes these ideas into a tangible body of work. The project introduces a new artistic identity, "Cuero," symbolizing the fusion of diverse artistic visions. This identity serves as a mediator, enabling a unique dialogue between the creator and the creation, and illustrating the profound interplay between subjectivity and artistic expression.
This work is part of a research line that aims to find common points between different art expressions, the way they can influence one another and how can possibly this art expressions be used as a potential creative tool to develop and maximize all the potential on the singularity of the artistic phenomena such as an song or an architectural object.
-
Sounds of the Seasons
Jenelle Roccaforte
2024As a musician and composer, I aim to evolve my artistic identity by blending jazz and R&B influences. My "Sounds of the Seasons" project uses the four seasons as inspiration, resulting in new compositions and innovative strategies. The project involves live session recordings and video production, contrasting my previous produced settings. This experience has led to high-quality live audio and video materials, enhancing my skills in live sound recording. Future steps include releasing these videos online to showcase my growth and engage audiences with fresh, genre-blending content, expanding my reach. Keywords: Artistic Identity, Seasons, Composition, Jazz, R&B.
-
Bridging the Gap: Re-discovering & Re-defining Pop with elements of Brit-pop.
Marshall Saunders
2024The purpose of this reflection paper is to document my journey as a songwriter, the essence of my music, and my process of making songs within the umbrella of Pop and Brit-pop music. This paper aims to demonstrate the evolution of my music and my songwriting, as well as how I approach and stylize my music within the bracket of pop music and British pop music, using various musical techniques. I showcase my music as a final product of 4 songs in an E.P. format, and this reflection paper demonstrates how I got there. In this paper, I acknowledge those who are part of this project and introduce, propose, and give an objective statement. In addition, I outline the methodology I use to record and finalize my music. I analyze each song on my E.P., discussing the process before and during recording while also doing a post-mix analysis. I conclude my reflection paper and project and discuss my next steps. The results of my reflection are the songs I create, all mixed with two mastered. My findings show how I have developed as a musician throughout the year and how my songwriting and drumming have improved.