Berklee, the most prestigious music school, has its only headquarter outside the United States in Valencia

It’s no secret that Valencia is the birthplace of great bands, festivals and world-class musicians and composers. We love music, concerts, street bands… so it comes as no surprise that the Berklee College of Music chose to locate its campus in Valencia, the first outside Boston and the only one not located in the United States.

Berklee landed in Valencia in 2012 in a privileged location: right near the Palau de Les Arts. However, few people realise that this is the headquarters of the most internationally renowned music school, a school where great artists were–and are–trained. Examples include Quincy Jones, composer and producer of musicians including Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson; Alan Silvestri, creator of the Back to the Future soundtrack; and Ramin Djawadi, creator of the Game of Thrones soundtrack.

Berklee landed in Valencia in 2012 in a privileged location: right near the Palau de Les Arts. However, few people realise that this is the headquarters of the most internationally renowned music school, a school where great artists were–and are–trained. Examples include Quincy Jones, composer and producer of musicians including Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson; Alan Silvestri, creator of the Back to the Future soundtrack; and Ramin Djawadi, creator of the Game of Thrones soundtrack.

The Valencian branch is directed by a manager and pianist from Madrid, María Martínez Iturraga, and currently has more than 500 students from 40 different countries. In an interview with the online magazine Valencia Plaza, Martínez explained why Valencia was chosen over Madrid or Barcelona: “Valencia is physically and geographically a destination which, historically, is connected with many cultures from a creativity standpoint”. She also pointed out that Berklee was not founded in New York or Los Angeles, traditionally the main music hubs, but in Boston, turning it into one of the most important jazz centres in the world. “This is what we aspire to in Valencia”, said Martínez.

Another deciding factor in their choice was the fact that the city is the favourite among Americans on the Erasmus programme, not to mention, as Martinez noted, that “the city is no stranger to music, which is part of the Valencian social and cultural fabric”.

Every year, in addition to the numerous events and concerts that the school organises throughout the year, the traditional Berklee Night is held to celebrate the end of the academic year. The Hemisféric is filled with music, magic and good vibes, putting on a unique concert that showcases students’ talent and learning.

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