Sofia Varone

Pronouns Used: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Principal Instrument: Voice

Majors: Contemporary Writing and Production

Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.

Orientation week. That week was packed with events both in and outside of the school that left me with unforgettable memories that I made with fellow students. One memory in particular that sticks with me is when a group of students and I went to visit the Back Bay area for the first time. It was a clear September night and from where we were on the docks we could see the cityscape and we all were left speechless. I got a little emotional as well thinking about how this was going to be the beginning of the next chapter in my life and this was how it was starting, around all these talented people and surrounded in this beautiful city. It was a beautiful reminder to appreciate this earned opportunity and not to take anything for granted.

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

I have two favorites so far. The first is arranging because I enjoy dissecting and learning about the different parts and components that can be utilized to create unique projects. The second is a non-music class called Queer on Stage. The course took a deep dive into queer representation in literature (specifically plays and musicals) throughout the years and how its themes remain relevant to today's world. What I found fascinating about the course was the maturity and understanding everybody displayed in class when discussing sensitive and ambiguous topics.

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

Everything is relatively close in distance. I'll also add that Boston has a bigger sense of community and with the school itself being in the heart of Boston, there is also a large community for the people and musicians to connect/network with. 

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

Think smarter not harder. What I mean by this is to take a second to think about what you like about this industry and also think about songs/genres that you gravitate towards performing. That will give you a starting foundation, even before applying on what strengths to stick to and reassurance of why you're applying in the first place. It's okay to not have a "set answer" to either one of those things. But you know yourself more than anyone else and allowing yourself to listen to yourself is overall a good life skill to have. Why not start now?

Where is your favorite place on campus?

The Stan Getz Library.

Why did you choose Berklee?

Variety and technique. Prior to Berklee, I was never privately trained and the only music classes I took in school were general choir and orchestra classes. What I wanted from a school was to get the education that I didn't get back at home and Berklee fulfills that request without a doubt. Also for what was initially only a jazz school roughly 80 years ago, Berklee continuously expands their curriculum as the music world continues to grow. 

What are your plans for after graduation?

Nothing definite but I do wish to work closer to the entertainment industry. Whether that is a producer, writer/lyricist, arranger, director, or performer. I aim to be a woman of many trades.

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

So far, I've only performed at the BPC, the Steve Heck Room at 939, and at a caf show in 160. I loved playing at the Steve Heck Room and the caf show because both venues were more intimate with their audiences and it was more common to see friends performing in those venues. Performing at the BPC was also wonderful because besides the BPC being the main performance center at Berklee, more attention is directed with each show that occurs there from set design to recording shows for livestreams with excellent quality. Performing at a live show anywhere at Berklee is a great way to get more experience with live performing and gain networking skills.

Where do you hope to perform this coming year?

On campus, I'd like to perform at 1140 and I'd love to perform at the BPC or another caf show again.

Your social media channel/web URL?

Instagram: @varone.sofia