Neil Small
Pronouns Used: He/Him/His
Hometown: Marblehead, Massachusetts
Principal Instrument: Electric Bass
Majors: Contemporary Writing and Production and Game and Interactive Media Scoring
Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.
My favorite Berklee experience so far has to be the supporting community. Seeing your friends show up to support your work (performance, recording session, etc...) and vice versa is so rewarding.
When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?
My favorite class so far was Groove Writing. Groove Writing opened my eyes to the different styles of music in the world. What stuck with me the most was the final project. For the final project, students were allowed to compose a groove based on any style not addressed in class. Learning about my classmate's favorite genres and listening to their projects inspired me to compose music that was out of my comfort zone.
What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston?
I love Boston because I know the city inside out from growing up so close to it. Boston is a big city with a small town vibe. There's hustle and bustle on one block, and it's quiet and serene on another.
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 a prospective student is to go for it. This school has countless opportunities to explore what aspect(s) of the music industry you want to specialize in. Berklee also gives you plenty of advice and resources to reach your goals. If you attend Berklee, you'll be in good hands.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the 7 Haviland outdoor common area. It's a great place to study and meet new people.
Why did you choose Berklee?
I chose Berklee because I knew I would be surrounded by a welcoming community. The Berklee community (students, staff, visiting artists, and more) is full of like-minded people who come from different backgrounds. Getting to know your peers is so important because they will support you in ways non-musicians wouldn’t understand. I also chose Berklee because of the experienced staff. The professors at Berklee are incredible musicians who are willing to support the new generation of artists.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After I graduate in 2025, I plan to move to L.A. and find a job in the video game industry. I want to work on game audio, specifically scoring and sound design.
What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you’ve been involved in at Berklee?
When I perform at live shows at Berklee venues, I feel like I'm putting on a professional concert. The student engineers and staff do such a good job, and the crowd, full of fellow musicians, friends, and other college students, is fully engaged. I highly recommend participating in at least one live show per school year. It's an amazing feeling.
Where do you hope to perform this coming year?
There's a chance I might play at PAX East as the keyboardist in the Berklee RWBY Ensemble. I would love to perform there!