Pianist, Miguel Aleman, of East Boston is one of nine recipients to be awarded a four-year, full-tuition Berklee City Music Scholarship.
“I’m extremely grateful,” said Aleman, 18. “It’s a big achievement.”
This year’s scholarship recipients celebrated with a ceremony and concert featuring actor and poet, Omari Hardwick, and artist Malcolm-Jamal Warner with the Berklee City Music jazz ensemble. The August 8 presentation at the Berklee Performance Center commemorated the conclusion of Berklee’s Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive.
Aleman participated in Aspire during his freshman and sophomore years of high school, as well as the City Music High School Academy in his junior and senior years.
“We’re around campus all year-round. It’s cool being around Berklee that often, and talking to talented musicians,” explained Aleman, a Boston Arts Academy graduate. “It’s a hangout spot and welcoming atmosphere.
Berklee City Music provides contemporary music education to youth from underserved communities at low or no cost. The non-profit program has presented 274, full-tuition scholarships, totaling over $33 million, since its inception thirty years ago.
“I was in the pop ensemble. That was fun. We made cool arrangements to famous pop songs,” said Aleman, who most enjoys playing jazz piano.
Learning how to communicate with other musicians is a skill that Aleman is proud to have learned along his musical journey.
“Adjusting to different musicians is crucial. It has helped me build confidence, as well,” said Aleman.
Aleman began studying music in 6th grade. He loves the sound of a grand piano; and listens to a myriad of music genres from jazz, to hip hop, and heavy metal.
In addition to his passion for music, Aleman plays soccer every day, and works as a cook and server at a Sardinian restaurant.
Aleman is interested in majoring in musical education, and hopes to become a music professor.