Bri Barbosa
Pronouns Used: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Brewster, New York
Principal Instrument: Voice
Majors: Songwriting
Minor: Recording and Production for Musicians
Languages Spoken (other than English): Spanish
Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.
Berklee has allowed me to have more experiences than I ever imagined. I didn’t think coming here would be possible but then I was given a Thrive Scholarship. I think my favorite experience has to be being part of the Taylor Swift BPC show. I got to work with incredible people, make a community, and it really helped me grow as an artist and person. I also got to do a Berklee Instagram takeover, which was super fun.
When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?
My favorite class at Berklee so far was Stage Performance Techniques. I got to really learn how to own the stage and craft my stage presence. It was inspiring to see my peers perform and I learned a lot from being in the audience. I had an amazing professor who would give detailed feedback and really wanted the best for each student.
What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston?
I love how there is always so much going on in and out of Berklee. Everything is so close. You can grab a quick bite, take the T and explore, or just walk around Newbury and see a street fair.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee?
Just do it if there’s a reason you want to apply. Never doubt that. Don’t be intimated because you don’t sight read a lot or haven’t performed live yet. The whole purpose of you coming to Berklee is to learn.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
Such a hard question! I’d have to say the lobby of 150 just because I have so many memories of sitting with friends to talk, having study sessions, or just bumping into friends on the way to class.
Why did you choose Berklee?
I sing in Spanish and English in a variety of genres like pop, R&B, and reggaeton. Though my main goal is to be an artist, I think it’s important to have a bit of knowledge in different areas; performance, songwriting, production, and business. Berklee allows me to be all that I desire to be and craft my learning. I feel like I can stretch my creativity and I never feel stuck to being or studying one thing. We have such a diverse student body, which has helped me appreciate music through different perspectives.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Although I was born in New York, I am also Colombian and Puerto Rican so I’m very interested in being an artist in the Latin music industry. I’m still interested in singing in English, too. My goal is to be an artist and songwriter. I might stay in New York or maybe go to Miami but my main goal is to perform, keep collaborating, and keep growing no matter where that is. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities and support I have so I just want to remember that along the way.
What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you’ve been involved in at Berklee?
I love the atmosphere. We have such a community of kind, talented, and hardworking professors and students. I always have felt supported and feel like the people around me always wanted the best for me.
Where do you hope to perform this coming year?
I’m super open! It’d be fun to do the BPC again or something more intimate like the Red Room.
Your social media channel/web URL?
Instagram: @bri_barbosa