Midsemester Updates from the President

Dear Berklee community,

As we reach the midpoint of this busy semester, I want to take a moment to again thank the community for the warm welcome I’ve received since joining you in January. I also want to provide some updates on my listening tour, which wraps up shortly; on the work we’ve been doing around creativity, machine learning, and AI; and on our ongoing monitoring of federal policy updates.  

Listening Tour and State of Berklee Address

I am deeply grateful for everyone who has participated in my listening tour in person, on Zoom, or via the feedback form. Over the course of more than 15 sessions with students, faculty, staff, and alumni, I have learned a great deal. The best part has been connecting directly with our community and, most of all, our students, who’ve been welcoming, thoughtful, creative, and heartfelt. I have also learned about an absolute torrent of amazing music and performances from across our community through the feedback form. Thanks for all of the great recommendations.

Looking ahead, I’m pleased to invite you to my inaugural State of Berklee address on Thursday, April 10, at 10:00 a.m., at David Friend Recital Hall or via livestream(Opens in a new window). I’ll be sharing the key themes that emerged from the listening sessions and how those themes are informing the refinement of our student-centered strategic direction.

Guiding Principles for AI/Machine Learning

Many of our faculty and leaders have been actively addressing the impact of machine learning and artificial intelligence on how we teach, how our students learn, and how we all create. At Berklee, we are artists and artist advocates, and we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to ensure our community has a deep and nuanced understanding of both the creative potential of generative AI and the potential impacts that these technologies may have upon the agency, sustainability, and economic incentives of artists.

To guide our efforts, Berklee developed a set of guiding principles for AI/machine learning. These principles are designed to root our work in our values as musicians, artists, artist advocates, innovators, and educators. As a global leader in music and the performing arts, Berklee will continue our commitment to empowering artists not only to navigate these new trends, but to shape them.

We have appointed an institutional working group with representation from across the different programs and functions at Berklee to develop forward-looking institutional policies, new initiatives, and professional development resources focused on new AI technologies. Upcoming programs and events are listed on the Guiding Principles for AI/Machine Learning page. The working group will also serve as a central resource for best practices in teaching and learning, administration, and creative endeavors. You can submit any questions, suggestions, and feedback you have via this form.

Berklee is committed to ensuring we continue to be a creative hub for innovation at the intersection of technology and artistry, and we will be creating additional guidance and resources that will help inform our practical use of these technologies.

Community and Engagement Workgroup

Berklee’s Office of General Counsel continues to monitor closely and advise on the potential impact of recent executive orders and federal policy changes. As shared in my February message, we have convened the Community and Engagement Workgroup to develop actions and strategies to support our community. The group has created a number of learning and support opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to gain a better understanding of the current landscape. These informative and timely events intend to help separate the signal from the noise, featuring sessions on today’s policy environment, decoding media and misinformation, and building respectful communities.  

I also want to remind you of your available support options. Faculty and staff can contact Human Resources and Berklee’s employee assistance program or seek guidance from their managers and chairs. Students can access resources and support through the Berklee Bridge. Public Safety is also available for immediate concerns.

We remain committed to providing support and resources to the community in navigating this rapidly evolving environment. Please continue to keep an eye on the Berklee Hub for additional updates in the coming weeks.

As the semester continues full steam ahead, I’m looking forward to attending my first Career Jam as president. Career Jam provides exceptional opportunities for our students to learn from and connect with artists, employers, leaders, and entrepreneurs at the highest levels of the industry, including our alumni and faculty. This year’s event features a keynote interview with Grammy-nominated alum Charlie Puth BM ’13, and more than 100 speakers from across the industry. I’m excited to welcome all of our participants to campus for this important event that empowers our students for success as they prepare to go out into the world.

Thanks,

Jim Lucchese
President