Ariyanna Vellani

Pronouns Used: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Port Moody, British Columbia

Principal Instrument: Piano

Majors: Contemporary Writing and Production

Minors: Instrument Repair

Languages Spoken (other than English): French

Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.

My favurite Berklee experience has honestly been meeting new, amazing people, every single day! I think at Berklee we are truly lucky to have such a diverse group of extremely talented musicians. Everyday I learn more about music and the world around me simply by meeting people with different experiences and backgrounds. I would also have to say performing at Lagos for the Berklee Valencia campus my first year! I was able to play with some of my favourite people in such a beautiful place.

When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?

Honestly Harmony 4 was my favorite class, mostly because Randy Pingrey is a fantastic professor. He made the course extremely interactive while also providing a place for students to feel safe. Not only did he teach the difficult concepts in an accessible way, but he also taught us the context and history of many of these concepts, which lead to a more concrete understanding.

What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston? 

To be surrounded by the thing I love most in this world (music!).There are so many opportunities to watch, perform, and most importantly enjoy music while you're in Boston. Whether it's Berklee students playing on the street, or the dozens of house venues in the Allston area, or Berklee organized performances, there is truly something for everyone, and everyone is welcome. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee?

Say yes to as much as you can! You never know what opportunity could lead to an even cooler one. As someone with social anxiety, it can be really difficult to put yourself out there, especially with that signature Berklee imposter syndrome ;) but I found that surrounding myself with friends who share my ideologies and goals really helped.

Where is your favorite place on campus?

Technically not on campus but I love the Christian Science building. It has a beautiful lawn and lots of seating to hang out in between classes, perfect for soaking up the sunshine! Also the 171 practice rooms are for piano principals only and there are always rooms to book if you feel an urge to shred.

Why did you choose Berklee?

There is no music institute like Berklee. It is constantly changing to adapt to the evolving music industry, and preps its students to do the same. There is crazy accessibility to all kinds of equipment/studios, and the staff are extremely knowledgeable about the industry and music itself. I feel like at Berklee I am in good hands.

What are your plans for after graduation?

Honestly, I don't know, and that's okay! I feel like every time I plan for the future, something comes along and takes me in a completely new direction (Berklee being a great example of that). All I know is that I want to have music in my life and to be surrounded by the people I love.

What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you’ve been involved in at Berklee?

There is something truly electric about performing in front of people who adore music as much as you do. I wish I could put it into words better. It's the most fun I've ever had and makes me feel like I'm part of something much bigger than myself, and makes me feel like I have place in the music community.

Where do you hope to perform this coming year?

The Tourist Trap in Allston! The house venue is run by some of my favorite people on earth and the energy at their shows is always incredibly warm and welcoming; I can't think of a better place to play my own music for the first time.

Your social media channel/web URL?

Instagram: @ariyannavellani