Mitchell Lee

Pronouns Used: He/Him They/Them

Hometown: Hinsdale

Principal Instrument: Drum Set

Majors: Music Production and Engineering

Minors: Audio Post Production

Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.

The Berklee Nashville industry trip has been the highlight of my Berklee experience thus far. I had never been to Nashville like this before and I was able to make so many connections with tons of Berklee alumni! I loved seeing all of the historical and legendary recording studios that produced the records I grew up on and was even able to gain an internship while on the trip!  

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

My favorite class I've taken so far is Advanced Recording Techniques. I really love this class because every class is super hands-on from start to finish. I felt that each week I was gaining so much knowledge and ability to further my own engineering skills. Every few weeks we would also have a recording session where we worked with some amazing Berklee ensembles. Every class is super active, hands-on, and just a great time. 

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

I really enjoy how walkable Boston is. Everything is super close or pretty accessible by the T. This makes life a lot easier and definitely more enjoyable. I also really enjoy how many other colleges are nearby! I've been able to play in pit orchestras for Boston University and Emerson and briefly was in Boston College's marching band. 

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

I'd say to really get involved with the various communities at Berklee. There are tons of clubs and organizations that bring with them communities of really cool people! I really enjoy playing with the Berklee Musical Theater Club; it has allowed me to experience some really cool shows and meet a ton of people I consider my close friends. Had I not auditioned for one of their showcases, I wouldn't have experienced so many things not just at Berklee but in life as well. 

Where is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place is Studio 2 (the Ark) in the 160 building. I have spent tons of time in this room and it is my favorite place to record! The room itself sounds really good and I just have a ton of great memories from sessions there. 

Why did you choose Berklee?

I chose Berklee because I felt it had the best academic music program that resonated with me. Growing up I enjoyed classical music and jazz but didn't want to pursue them in a conservatory style. I enjoyed Berklee's curriculum because of how diverse it is. It's not just performance and music theory skills, but also how to run yourself as a business, how to work as an engineer, and how to live off of being a musician. In today's age we all have to be able to do a little bit of everything and I feel that Berklee has fully embraced that in its education. 

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan to move to Nashville to pursue my dream of working as a tracking engineer in a major studio. I will be returning to Starstruck Studios to intern for summer 2024 and then hopefully start working as an assistant/intern coordinator. I also plan on doing live sound for venues and would like to hop on a tour for live sound! 

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

I've been involved in a few Berklee live shows, most recently "Curtain Up!"—a collection of original musical theater works that are then orchestrated and then performed by students. I love how many people are able to be involved in these shows. Curtain Up especially has so many roles to fill including, music directors, band members, vocalists, arrangers, directors, and so many others. There is a ton of opportunity to get involved in big productions at Berklee in a variety of roles. 

Where do you hope to perform this coming year?

I hope to perform at the BPC one last time. OIt's my last year at Berklee so I think it'd be a ton of fun to play that stage again before i'm gone. I also hope to snag a few more pit orchestra gigs at the surrounding colleges. I really enjoy working with Emerson; they're a really fun group. 

Your social media channel/web URL?

Instagram: @mitchleedrums