Claire Burreson
Pronouns Used: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Major: Vocal Performance
Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.
My favorite Berklee experience so far was performing in my class's Bleak Midwinter concert last year. It was during the hybrid semester, but we still were able to perform live, semi-staged, and with a live accompanist. Then all of my friends and I got together and had a watch party of the livestream. It was a moment of pride listening to my talented classmates and a night when I realized how many deep connections and friendships that I'd made at this school already.
When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?
My favorite classes were both ear training and harmony and counterpoint with John Murphree. He is hands down one of the best teachers I have ever had. The classes were hands-on and project-based, which allowed us to have creations that we were proud to show off at the end of the semester. Associate Professor Murphree created a classroom environment that encouraged questions and participation. I found myself verbally working through new ideas in front of the class, allowing all of us to further digest the new information. He is incredibly qualified to teach these theory subjects, but quite the artist and comedian as well. After our lessons, he would often show us one of his new projects that he was working on. That was always very entertaining and inspiring.
What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston?
My favorite parts about studying and living in Boston is that we're surrounded by college students. Everywhere you go you'll always run into people your age. Boston is a very accessible city because of the T and how walkable everything is. I would walk from campus to the North End or the Boston Common all the time. I also love seeing Berklee combos performing on Newbury Street and other places around the city. Live music is just so fun and even cooler when you know you go to school with those talented people.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee?
One piece of advice I would give to an applicant would be to be yourself and let your passion show in your application and at your audition. Be friendly and conversational with your panelists at your audition if they ask you questions, and know that being nervous just means that you're excited and you care a lot, so channel those feelings into your best performance.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the dining hall, obviously. And Suelly Hall, because the acoustics are great and it's a really beautiful space with the wooden dragon heads lining the ceiling.
Why did you choose Berklee?
I chose Berklee because of the feeling that I got from the faculty and current students when I visited and auditioned. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and I knew that it would be easy for me to call Berklee my home away from home and make lifelong connections, all while getting an incredible education in the field that I am passionate about.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on going to grad school. I don't know whether I will try to stay at the Conservatory for grad school or venture somewhere else to experience something new. I feel like I have some time to figure that out.
What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you’ve been involved in at Berklee?
I will be working on campus for the box office this year as an usher and a box office associate, and I am so excited to be a part of Berklee shows behind the scenes. I am a performer but have always loved all of the many jobs required to make a show happen.
Where do you hope to perform this coming year?
I hope to perform in Seully Hall some more as well as in the Boston Conservatory Theater in 31 Hemenway.
Your social media channel/web URL?
Instagram: @claireburreson