Student Spotlight: Tyesha Kohli
22/02/2023
February 21, 2023
What's it like to study at Berklee? Our Student Spotlight series asks current students all about their Berklee experience-what they're learning in class, what kinds of projects they're involved in onstage or behind the scenes, how they recharge, and of course, what they're listening to. This week, get to know Tyesha Kohli, a sixth-semester voice principal from New Delhi, India, pursuing a bachelors degree in professional music with a minor in the business of live music.
Check out Tyesha on Instagram, YouTube, and on her official website.
Image courtesy of Tyesha Kohli
Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here? Music was a huge part of my upbringing, and there wasnt really anything else that I felt competent in growing up. I thought I was one of the lucky ones who had realized their true passion very early on in life, and I knew that music was going to be a big part of my future, but I didnt know how. Berklee was a distant dream, and it started seeming more impossible when I became a philosophy student at University of Delhi. After graduating in 2017, I started my career officially as a recording and performing artist. I collaborated with many other fellow independent artists to grow and learn, while also working on my solo projects. Soon enough, in 2018, Women of the World, a renowned a cappella group that emerged out of the Berklee community, flew to Delhi for a week-long workshop and offered us a chance to audition for the school at the end of that glorious week. Things started looking up when I got my acceptance in 2019, but due to financial constraints I simply couldnt afford to go, so I had to turn it down. From then on, I continued my journey as a songwriter and worked on my musicianship thinking Berklee was never going to happen. But in the beginning of 2020, I received an email from the admissions office stating that my admission is still valid in case I want to join. I took that as a sign from the universe and started working out the costs with the support of my family. Unfortunately, only a couple months later, COVID-19 hit and the entire world came to a standstill. And yet again, the Berklee dream fell out of reach. After a lot of serious contemplation, debate, and inner conflict, I decided to enroll remotely as part of the fall 2020 batch, and the trajectory of my career hasnt been the same. During my first two virtual semesters alone I met several people I could look up to, made new friends, and spoke to inspiring professors. I couldnt wait to actually be in Boston and experience it all in real life. As things slowed down in 2021, project Del2Bos was in full motion. I packed up my bags and savings and moved to the very cold East Coast to attend my first in-person semester in fall 2021. My journey to Berklee has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, and Im sure my journey post graduation will be nothing less, too.
Whats been your favorite class so far, and what has it taught you? Ive had some amazing classes and professors in the short time Ive been at Berklee. But the ones that stick out the most are Advanced DAW for Songwriters taught by Valerie Orth and Forensic Musicology taught by Joe Bennett. During the former, I was just excited to learn about production from a female artist, and professor Orths method of teaching and amazing attitude towards the class only exceeded my expectations in the end. On the other hand, professor Bennett was teaching one of the most interesting courses offered at Berklee, and the amount of knowledge he imparted to us with his warm personality proved to be an overall great experience.
Watch Tyeshas music video for her song Midnight Lover:
Whats a project youve worked on since coming to Berklee that youve been especially excited about? Ive been lucky to be a part of several iconic projects during my time at Berklee, and they make me so excited for the future. Just last fall, I was chosen as a background vocalist to be in my first Singers Showcase concert, which was a tribute to the music of Sting and the Police. During the same semester, I was interning under two amazing women entrepreneurs who run a global collaborative app called el3ment. Right before that, I was awarded a full scholarship to attend the first-ever in-person She Knows Tech seminar, which gave me the opportunity to mingle with some incredible women in the music business. I have also loved recording my own songs in the iconic Berklee studios with some extremely talented peers. Currently, Im looking forward to visiting Nashville during the spring break as part of the annual industry trips offered by the school.
How do you typically recharge or find new ideas outside of class? Sometimes when Im feeling a little drained out creatively, I like to take small breaks for myself outside of classes and spend a few hours doing absolutely nothing. And then I hang out with my friends or work with them on their projects. It helps me a lot by taking the focus away from my workload and regaining some of my energy.
When you think towards your own future, who inspires you most? I have met some of the most inspirational people at Berklee. From professors to peers, theres been so much to learn from all of them. When I think of my future as a Berklee graduate, I think of all the important lessons, advice, and friends I have gained. Moreover, I find a special gratitude towards my internship employers who graciously provided me with valuable insights into the current music industry.
Whats one piece of advice youd give to your high school self? Its okay to lose yourself in the crowd at times when youre
LINK: | https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/student-spotlight-tyesha-kohl... |
See more stories from berklee |
More from Berklee
28/03/2024
Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Huntington
Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night'...
27/03/2024
15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols
15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols Listen to iconic Latin musicians across genres in this playlist and read about how they've influenced Berklee st...
22/03/2024
Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berklee on the Road Program
Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berkle...
19/03/2024
What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon
What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon The story of the dembow beat, which can be found in reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, and far beyond, speaks t...
19/03/2024
Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architecture
Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architec...
19/03/2024
Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics
Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics The 39th edition of the program will be held from July 9-21. By Callista Chan March 21, 2024 Ima...
14/03/2024
Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment Industry
Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment...
14/03/2024
BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17
BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17 The Berklee Popular Music Institute will showcase performances from six rising stars who ...
08/03/2024
Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature
Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature The Signature Series concert honors the King of Pop, surveying the entirety of his iconic career. ...
07/03/2024
Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With
Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With Since The Way It Is, the visionary songwriter has made his mark on so many genres. His latest, Deep Se...
06/03/2024
Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar
Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar The clarinetist from Iran talks about discovering a love for Iranian classical music and how coming to Berklee has allo...
02/03/2024
Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024
Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024 Registration is open now through April 11. By Colette Greenstein March 1, 2024 Students perform at Berklee...
01/03/2024
Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj
Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj The vocalist, konnakol beatboxer, and percussionist reflects on his musical journey from Oman to India and beyond, and how ...
01/03/2024
Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval
Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval Berklee will recognize the Cuban-American legend's legacy and impact on jazz and Latin music. ...
28/02/2024
Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof
Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof This issue takes a deep dive into how a Boston Conservatory education lays the foundation for futu...
28/02/2024
40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates
40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates Professors Lil John Roberts and Mimi Jones, part of the team leading the upcoming Michael Jackson ...
27/02/2024
The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol
The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol Berklee alum Colescott Rubin and his brother, current student A.J., rode unicycles and sang about lov...
24/02/2024
Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs
Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs SAMMUS, DJ Troy Frost, and DJ WhySham are among featured guest speakers for th...
22/02/2024
Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educator Joel Ross
Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educa...
17/02/2024
Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao
Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao The video for Neopet features choreography by commercial dance major Sofia ...
17/02/2024
Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations
Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations A total of $25,000 will be distributed amongst the Boston-based nonprofits. By Co...
14/02/2024
Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Education
Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Educa...
14/02/2024
Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education
Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education The chair of Berklee's Music Education Department will serve as NAfME's...
14/02/2024
Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A Celebration of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A...
09/02/2024
Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall
Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall Boston Conservatory Orchestra will showcase works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Margaret Bonds, Valerie Coleman, and ot...
09/02/2024
Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards
Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards Carla Patullo, Gracie Laboy, and MT Aditya Srinivasan took home awards on musics biggest night. Febr...
09/02/2024
Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Berklee President
Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Ber...
07/02/2024
Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists
Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists The third annual event will focus on essential music business principles that enable creatives...
06/02/2024
Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Student Works
Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Stud...
05/02/2024
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards Laufey, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Miguel Zen n, and Carla Patullo were among the winners of musi...
02/02/2024
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have received th...
01/02/2024
Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser
Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser The annual dance competition exceeded fundraising goals, fully endowing a new Dance Divisio...
01/02/2024
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award
Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have re...
31/01/2024
Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initiative
Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initia...
27/01/2024
Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo
Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo The entertainment legend was joined by performing arts industry leaders from Broadway t...
27/01/2024
Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership
Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership The two organizations signed a student credit transfer agreement in January 20...
26/01/2024
Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert
Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert The virtuosic foursome will visit the college for a weeklong residency, culminat...
24/01/2024
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert The Signature Series event will commemorate the life and artistry of the late Wayne Shorter. ...
20/01/2024
Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and Learning Capsule
Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and...
19/01/2024
Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album
Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album On So She Howls, the film composer, songwriter, and alum guides listeners through a cycle of h...
17/01/2024
Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Pand...
12/01/2024
Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls
Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls Francesca Castro and Matilde Heckler bring Band Freak energy to the cinematic version of Tina ...
11/01/2024
Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month
Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month This powerful performance, featuring Anita Hill reciting the words of Martin Luther King Jr., wil...
05/01/2024
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yatra Scholarship
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yatra Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...
22/12/2023
The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists
The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists Behind the mic, at the boards, or in the band, Berklee artists made some of the year's best music in ...
21/12/2023
Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023
Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023 From AI in the classroom to music licensing 101, 50 years of hip-hop to the next great American jam band, take a look at...
19/12/2023
Student Spotlight: Yamur Soydemir
Student Spotlight: Ya mur Soydemir The Berklee graduate student discusses her greatest inspirations, her love of ultimate frisbee, and the process of reworkin...
16/12/2023
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yarta Scholarship
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yarta Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...
15/12/2023
Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song
Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song Mike Sempert recently released Hold On to the Light, a catchy track with a sincere message about what it me...
14/12/2023
Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee
Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee The college's first woman tres player discusses the instrument's distinctive so...