Alexis Cao
Pronouns Used: She/her
Languages Spoken (other than English): Vietnamese
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2028
Principal Instrument: Voice
Major(s): Professional Music (Songwriting and Music Production Tracks)
Minor(s): N/A
Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.
There was one studio session I had with a friend at midnight in Dub Stage and, while we were comping my lead vocals, my friend opened up to me about their emotional struggles. We spent some time resolving their feelings and wrapped up that session having grown a lot closer than before. It was a vivid reminder for me that Berklee is not just about the late-night recording sessions or intense rehearsals, but also about the human connections that we share in spaces unique to our profession: in recording studios, on stage, and behind the screens. The spaces we occupy are intimate and creatively welcoming, in addition to the intensity and high pressure that they possess. For a moment, I realized the importance of not letting my overwhelming passion narrow my sight and thus render me ignorant of all the life happening in between my work.
When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?
My absolute favorite class is Harmony with professor Daniel Smith. I was a Harmony 3 entering student, and although I did well with the entrance test, I was not sharp with music theory, especially with Berklee's jazz-minded approach. Every class felt like a whirlwind, and I remember quietly panicking at how fast-paced and advanced it all was. But professor Smith challenged us to think deeply beyond the curriculum. I made a habit of going to his office hours, showing him my progressions, compositions, and endless questions. He always responded with excitement and encouragement. I owe a lot of my growth to his guidance—and I truly believe that how much you enjoy a class depends on how you choose to engage with the people and resources around you.
What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston?
My favorite part about studying in Boston is definitely the forward-minded culture of people living here, as the city is known for housing a large university and college student population. The young energy of the city contradicts its extensive history, and it's a feeling that is inexplicable. Somehow, just by stepping foot onto its soil, I was bound to be inspired and motivated to move forward.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to Berklee College of Music/Boston Conservatory at Berklee?
Definitely to be unafraid of showing their colors and be their best authentic self in interviews and auditions. Being technically advanced with a stacked resume in music activities will get you an A, but being driven, genuine, and proud of your work will get you an A-plus.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the 150 lobby, as it is the best indicator of which time of the school year it is. On a normal academic week, the place is bustling with students' energy. I always peek through the huge windows to see if someone I know is there. It is also a hot spot for when musicians and I catch a breath after rushing tear down for a late- night recording sessions. However, on school breaks, when students leave and the place is left empty, it is as if the humanness of it is sucked away. It is almost as if it is the heartbeat of campus.
Why did you choose Berklee?
I chose Berklee because of its unique, forward-thinking education in contemporary music. As a Pop-R&B artist-songwriter who dreams of performing on big stages like Wembley, I knew I needed a school that understood both the artistry and the business of music. Berklee stood out with its specialized courses, real-world opportunities, and a musical language that aligns with the industry today, which sets the school apart from traditional conservatories and institutions serving the classical and jazz scenes.
What are your plans for after graduation?
My plan is to build my brand as a solo Pop-R&B artist, continuing to release music and perform. While I'm still figuring out whether my core market will be in Vietnam or the US, I trust that Berklee is equipping me with the knowledge and flexibility to navigate both.
What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you've been involved in at Berklee?
As a true performer at heart, my favorite part about performing at Berklee is the high spirit on stage that is unique to a cast of equally passionate and talented musicians who uplift one another in ways unimaginable to students outside the school. For example, during Singers Night at the BPC, our cast would relentlessly offer each other compliments on looks, confidence, and skills throughout the show, and we bounced good creative energy off of each other through every interaction on stage. It is the people who make the stage fun.
Where do you hope to perform this coming year?
The Berklee Performance Center is definitely a dream. But I'm also excited to play local gigs around Boston and really connect with the independent artist scene here. I want to start hosting more live sessions, too, so that I will learn the production and presentation side of it, then showing my music in a new light.
Your social media channel / web URL
Instagram: @alexiscao_