Visiting Artist News

Each year Berklee hosts visiting artist events with the most innovative performers and creators working today. Often only open to students, these clinics and master classes are opportunities for you to get an intimate and inside perspective of the industry.

Berklee students at the JJ Lin talk

Students gain career insights from JJ Lin at the Berklee Performance Center.

Image by Kelly Davidson

Press Release
Singaporean Singer-Songwriter JJ Lin on Craft, Courage, and Creativity
March 14, 2025

The artist shared candid insights into his musical evolution, personal challenges, and the art of staying true to one’s creative vision.

Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice Signature Series image

Grand Gathering: Jazz and Gender Justice will take place at the Berklee Performance Center on April 8. 

Image by Kelly Davidson

Press Release
The Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice Presents the Grand Gathering
March 10, 2025

The Signature Series concert will feature performances by all nine of the institute’s ensembles and a variety of special guests.

A black and white image of Roberta Flack standing at a mic taken from a low angle

Roberta Flack

Image by Roland Godefroy, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Roberta Flack, a 'Legend that Transcended Generations,' Dies at 88
February 24, 2025

The R&B singer best known for "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and “Feel Like Makin’ Love" received an honorary degree from Berklee in 2023.

Lei Liang (far right) speaks with contemporary classical music students Ryan Chao, Keaton Shaw, Olivia Katz, and Clara Mazo (left to right).

Composer Lei Liang speaks with members of contraBAND, Boston Conservatory's contemporary classical music ensemble.

Michelle Parkos

Boston Conservatory’s New Music Festival Puts Contemporary Composers in the Spotlight
January 24, 2025

Professor Marti Epstein and composer in residence Lei Liang will premiere new works during this year’s event, taking place January 31 to February 7.

a yellow electric guitar with bows on it on a red fabric background

Image by Kelly Davidson

Berklee Wrapped 2024: Our Top News and Stories
December 20, 2024

Take a look at some of our best stories of the year, including announcing our next president, hosting André 3000, and learning from the alumni shaping Latin music's future.

andre 3000 sitting in a chair speaking into a microphone

André 3000 spoke to students at the Berklee Performance Center.

Image by Elizabeth Friar

André 3000 at Berklee: 'Respect Your Taste—That's All You Got'
October 31, 2024

On tour for New Blue Sun, the iconic artist and his band sat down for a sprawling conversation on staying excited about music, trusting your instincts, and—what else—flutes.

Lauv with Berklee students
Press Release
Lauv Inspires Berklee Students with Authenticity and Chart-Topping Success
October 22, 2024

Pop sensation Lauv shares insights on creativity, vulnerability, and overcoming the fear of fame during his visit to Berklee.

Farayi Malek

Farayi Malek

Image by Najee Visuals

Signature Series Presents Country Music: Black Roots and Branches
October 9, 2024

New Dangerfield, Dom Flemons, Donna McElroy, and Farayi Malek headline this October 29 concert spotlighting Black artists' impact on country music.

Sona Jobarteh

Sona Jobarteh

Image courtesy of the artist

Press Release
Berklee’s Africana Studies Department Hosts Gambian Musician Dr. Sona Jobarteh as Visiting Scholar
September 27, 2024

Jobarteh is the first professional female kora virtuoso to come from any of the West African griot dynasties.

Old Days

Old Days: The Tribute to Chicago 

Image courtesy of the artist

Press Release
Chicago’s Danny Seraphine to Perform with Berklee Student Ensemble
September 23, 2024

The Grammy Award–winning drummer will also lead a drum clinic during his visit to the Boston campus.