Diya Prakash
Pronouns Used: She/her
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2027
Principal Instrument: Voice
Major(s): Performance
Minor(s): Music and Health, Effortless Mastery
Describe your favorite Berklee experience so far.
During my first week in the dorms, to get to know each other, people would host jam sessions in their rooms. Everyone would come together with all their different instruments and just mesh. It was the first time I realized I was finally in a space that was fully dedicated to the thing I had spent my whole life learning and loving. And being around people with the same interest made me feel a little less alone.
When you think about your favorite class so far, what is one example of why you enjoyed it?
The relationship between my professor and the students. My professor was an incredible teacher. Her knowledge of the subject was engaging and easy to digest. But her biggest strength wasn't even in her teaching but her connection. She was friendly and would tell us about her life and let us tell her about ours. We could talk about anything with her and she would listen. She made class fun and filled with jokes for what many at Berklee would probably consider a boring subject (it was tonal harmony).
What is your favorite part about studying and living in Boston?
I love being able to walk around everywhere! Growing up in LA, you have to drive for miles to see different sites and neighborhoods. In Boston, you can walk for 10 minutes and see something completely new. And because of its natural beauty, it's fun to study out in the Commons or Public Garden, or take the train to somewhere completely new.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to Berklee College of Music/Boston Conservatory at Berklee?
Don't feel like you have to do it all right away. Many people will tell you that the second you get to Berklee you need to make connections and start your career and write music and be in a band and perform and make money. And while that's all well and good, it's okay to take your time. It's okay to get a lay of the land. Berklee is always there for you and those opportunities will land themselves when they are meant to. If you stress too much about doing it all, you'll miss the quintessential college experience. The best advice I ever got was that Berklee is a place where you get to learn from other people's talents and skills. And instead of zeroing in on your own experiences and projects, being able to take in others' helps build a meaningful community and enhance your skills.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
To hang out, definitely the 150 lobby. It's busy but, if you enjoy people-watching, it's great. But personally, as a vocalist, I'm biased toward 1140. I spend so much of my time there, so it's like a second home to me.
Why did you choose Berklee?
I chose Berklee admittedly because of the incredible alumni who have come through. So many people who are living my dream, whom I idolize, like Laufey, have been through Berklee and it gives me hope that my dreams will flourish as much as hers did. But also, I grew up in LA my whole life. My family is from New York, and I loved visiting the east coast. As an only child, I lived a very routine life, so I wanted to take the chance to explore a side of the country I love and find my independence.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I'm very fortunate to have a job already lined up that I'm currently working in, doing work for a film music preparation company on the business side. But the dream is to perform on stage and sing. And I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to do that yet. And that's okay! Things will fall into place, and it doesn't have to be figured out right away.
What have you enjoyed most about the live shows you've been involved in at Berklee?
I think the best part is seeing it all come together. I've helped host a couple of open mics for health and wellness (a department on campus) and it's a little stressful to get it all together. But seeing everyone on stage performing with their immense talent and big smiles makes it all worth it. You know that this is the reason they came to Berklee, and making it happen is incredibly rewarding.
Where do you hope to perform this coming year?
I would love to just get the chance to perform! I'm really eyeing one of the artist showcases if it's an artist I enjoy. Also, I would love to be a part of the spring jazz impressions concert. But honestly, I'm grateful for any chance to perform!
Your social media channel / web URL
Instagram: @diyaprakash05
TikTok: @diyapsings