Hunter Allison

Pronouns Used: He/Him/His

Hometown: Naugatuck, Connecticut/Orlando, Florida

Principal Instrument: Drum Set

Majors: Jazz Composition

Minors: Effortless Mastery

Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.

My favorite experience would have to be recording in the studios with my friends every semester. Many of the student-run recording sessions take place in the middle of the night, which can be exhausting, but the memories you make and the music you record make it all worthwhile.

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

This one is difficult because I’ve loved so many of the classes that I’ve taken so far at Berklee. One thing I’ve noticed is that the professors teaching them were such a joy to be around. For example I was lucky enough to take two classes with Professor Greg Hopkins. Greg is so passionate about music and sharing his immense knowledge. With a professor like Greg, you feel a special energy when you walk through the door to his class. I had truly never had so much fun in a classroom until I got to Berklee.

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

I love studying in Boston because it is such an accessible city with so much to offer. You can walk, bike, or take public transportation just about anywhere. I really enjoy the outdoor spaces available like the Boston Common, Public Garden, Charles River Esplanade, and the Fenway Victory Garden, just to name a few!

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

The advice I would give is to do your research about the audition and interview process so you know what to expect and are prepared to showcase what you do best. Don’t forget to have fun, that’s what it’s all about! 

Where is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus has to be the Stan Getz Library. I love going in and exploring the shelves of scores and sheet music. The library is also my preferred place to get homework done between classes. 

Why did you choose Berklee?

I chose Berklee because it had been my dream school since I was an early teenager. I was always captivated by the different majors and minors that Berklee had to offer. After graduating highschool I attended community college and became extremely interested in composing and creating my own music. That’s when it became clear to me that the jazz composition major at Berklee was what I needed and I haven’t looked back since!

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation I would love to pursue a master's degree. Some of my top choices include the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, New England Conservatory of Music, and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA.

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

There’s so much to love about playing live shows at Berklee, but one thing I enjoy the most is playing student compositions and arrangements. There are so many talented composers and arrangers at Berklee and having the opportunity to play their music is an enlightening experience. My favorite performance experience has to be playing drums for the inaugural Jazz Composition Workshop Ensemble. This concert featured music written and arranged by Berklee’s top jazz composition majors and was under the direction of the incomparable Ayn Inserto.

Where do you hope to perform this coming year?

There are a lot of places I would love to perform this year both on and off campus. Some venues on-campus that I’d love to perform at are the BPC, the caf, and the Red Room at Cafe 939. Off-campus venues I’d love to perform at this year include Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club, the Lilypad, and the Mad Monkfish.

Your social media channel/web URL?

Instagram: @hunterallisonmusic