Berklee in Puerto Rico music program starts its 30th edition

Caguas Mayor William Miranda Torres

By The Star Staff

The 30th edition of the Berklee in Puerto Rico program, produced by the nonprofit organization Make Music Happen in collaboration with Berklee College of Music, officially began Tuesday at the Escuela Libre de Música Antonio Paoli (ELMAP) in Caguas.

This milestone edition brings together 191 students from across the island for a weeklong immersive experience in contemporary music education, performance, and mentorship, led by Berklee professors.

Luis Álvarez Fiol, founder of Make Music Happen, shared his excitement about the program’s launch and thanked the partnering institutions who made the important milestone possible.

“It is with great joy that we begin the 30th edition of Berklee in Puerto Rico, inspired by the enthusiasm and energy of these 191 students who live their passion for music to the fullest,” Álvarez Fiol said. “Once again, Berklee College of Music faculty have prepared a rigorous and challenging curriculum to help these talented young people develop their skills to the fullest.”

“Berklee in Puerto Rico changes lives,” he added. “We are grateful to the sponsors and collaborators who have made the 30-year legacy of Berklee in Puerto Rico possible.”

Caguas Mayor William Miranda Torres also welcomed the program back to the municipality for its 30th anniversary, emphasizing the town’s commitment to educational partnerships.

“Today marks the beginning of a transformative experience for our youth. As an Educating City, we are proud to once again host Berklee in Puerto Rico and be part of a project that promotes talent, discipline, and a passion for music,” the mayor said. “We believe in opening doors. This program represents the union of efforts between institutions that believe in the power of music education as a tool for change.”

This year, the Berklee in Puerto Rico program received over 600 applications, of which 313 were admitted and 191 started the program -- with 175 students enrolled in the standard modality and 16 in the university credit modality. The academic team includes a dynamic group of Berklee professors and guest artists who will offer classes in music theory, improvisation, instrumental technique, and ensemble performance at ELMAP’s facilities, now hosting the program for the third consecutive year. Students will also participate in master classes on composition, arranging and songwriting.