Stéfane Franchi

Pronouns Used: She/her/hers

Hometown: Nice, France

Principal Instrument: Voice

Majors: Contemporary Writing & Production and Performance

Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.

One of my favorite Berklee experiences has been the performance opportunities I’ve had so far. I had the chance to sing background vocals alongside one of my favorite artists, Becca Stevens, for the Berklee Concert Signature Series, directed by Matthew Stevens. I’ve also had the opportunity to headline my own shows, and my Caf Show in 2024 remains one of the most memorable productions I’ve brought to life, featuring 25 musicians and dancers. It taught me to wear many hats at once, from performing and arranging to handling marketing and management. Seeing everyone’s hard work come together on stage was incredibly rewarding, and the show was a huge success!

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

I loved how some of my classes are making crossovers between being a student and still working in professional settings. In my String and Woodwind Techniques class taught by Alexander Clements, our exams involved composing a piece for a specific instrumentation and having it recorded at Berklee’s studios. We stepped into the role of professional composers, conducting our music for an ensemble of professional musicians. It was a great opportunity to bring our composing skills outside of the classroom and the paper by experiencing the practical challenges and responsibilities that a real recording session would need!

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

I believe Boston is such a beautiful city. We’re surrounded by nature and animals, and it’s easy to find a place to escape the routine of daily life when needed. When it comes to studying, I love that Boston feels like an in-between city: for instance, we’re not right in the middle of the craziness of New York, but we’re still just a four-hour bus ride away when we want to experience it. At the same time, Boston is a big city with so many students and opportunities, where we can focus on personal growth and shaping our own paths toward the future.

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

My advice would be to make sure you don’t skip any part of the application and take advantage of every opportunity to showcase yourself. Whether it’s a cover letter, recommendation letters from your professors or mentors, or supplemental materials, exploit these sections to highlight the full range of your skills and talents. Berklee wants to know what makes you unique as an artist and why you would be a valuable addition to its community!

Where is your favorite place on campus?

I have to say, one of my favorite places on campus is my room, in the 150 dorms. After a long day of classes, interactions, and running around all campus, I love being able to come back at night and get my work done peacefully. At the same time, I know I’m just steps away from the caf, my classes, and my friends. There’s something so satisfying about having your own peaceful space while still being right in the middle of everything happening on campus.

Why did you choose Berklee?

Berklee felt like the natural next step I needed to take in my musical and life journey. As a jazz and R&B songwriter, composer, and performer coming from France, I knew I wanted to cross the ocean to immerse myself in a new musical culture, challenge myself, and be surrounded by people who share that drive for excellence and the ambition to push their limits and pursue their goals. 

What are your plans for after graduation?

I’m still envisioning different options and thinking of different areas I’d like to be in.

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

I’ve learned that bringing a bigger production to life means working with people who specialize in different areas, each bringing their own skills and different points of view to the table. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a project come together through everyone’s contributions and creating something that has a richness going way beyond what you could have imagined!

Where do you hope to perform this coming year?

I'd love to perform again at the Berklee Performance Center! I also had the chance to perform at the Sinclair twice last year, and I hope to be back at venues with a similar vibe and capacity soon.

Your social media channel/web URL

Instagram: @stefane