Rodney Alejandro Named Dean of Professional Writing and Music Technology
13/09/2024
By
Media Relations Staff
September 13, 2024
Image by Kenneth Adams
Berklee College of Music has named Rodney Alejandro BM '97 the new dean of the Professional Writing and Music Technology Division, starting September 23. He will succeed Matthew Nicholl, who has led the division since 2019.
Alejandro has chaired the Songwriting Department at Berklee since 2022, following two years as an associate professor at the college. Under his leadership, the songwriting curriculum has evolved to keep pace with rapid shifts in the music industry. He has also emphasized expanding career paths for songwriting majors and developed writing camps that connect students with influential publishers and record labels.
At the age of 19, Alejandro launched his professional career, signing his first major label deal shortly after graduating high school. In the more than three decades since, he has worked in the studio and performed on stage with many of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones '51, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Luis Fonsi, Selena, will.i.am, Destiny's Child, and the Script, an Irish rock band with whom he toured internationally as keyboardist and musical director.
Alejandro has contributed as a songwriter, producer, composer, arranger, engineer, and instrumentalist to several Grammy- and Latin Grammy-nominated projects from artists such as the Temptations and Olga Ta on. He also worked on the Kumbia Kings album 4, which won Latin Pop Album of the Year at the 2004 Billboard Music Awards. He was the main title composer/producer for the Golden Globe-winning drama series The Shield, and his music can also be heard on Emmy-winning Smallville, as well as long-running programs like Extra and Access Hollywood.
I am excited to announce that Berklee alumnus Rodney Alejandro has been appointed as the new dean of the Professional Writing and Music Technology Division, said Ron Savage, vice president and executive director, Berklee College of Music. An accomplished songwriter and composer for TV and film, Rodney brings leadership and professional skills that have been honed by years of success in the music industry. His deep industry connections and innovative approach to music education will lead us into this new chapter for the division.
I am honored to have been chosen as the dean of the Professional Writing and Music Technology Division at Berklee College of Music, said Alejandro. As the first person of Latino and African American heritage to hold this position, I am excited to partner with the divisions chairs, faculty, staff, and student body. Our collective efforts will focus on furthering the convergence of music and technology, cultivating a culture of innovation and growth within this evolving field, and reinforcing Berklees position as a leader in contemporary music education.
Alejandro graduated with summa cum laude honors as a double major in contemporary writing and production and music production and engineering. He also holds a master's degree in entertainment business from Full Sail University, where he graduated as valedictorian.
As a professional educator, Alejandro has given speeches and master classes on performance, songwriting, and music production at various colleges worldwide, and he has served on the boards of nonprofit arts and education organizations in both the United States and Mexico. In 2006, Berklee honored him as the college's alumnus of the year, and in 2011, he was recognized as music education advocate of the year by the Recording Academy's Texas Chapter, where he continues to serve on the board and as the co-chair of the Songwriters and Composers Wing.
Related Categories
News
Most Popular
Jim Lucchese
Image by Kelly Davidson
Jim Lucchese Named Berklee's Fifth President A 20-year music industry veteran and a committed artist advocate with deep Berklee roots, Lucchese sets the tone for a new era at the institution.
Latest
Old Days: The Tribute to Chicago
Image courtesy of the artist
Chicago's Danny Seraphine to Perform with Berklee Student Ensemble The Grammy Award-winning drummer will also lead a drum clinic during his visit to the Boston campus.
Five Berklee alumni took home Emmy Awards this year.
Five Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards The recipients were recognized for their work on the acclaimed programs The Bear, Sho gun, and Billy Joel: The 100th-Live at Madison Square Garden.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee to Present Center Stage Production of Jesus Christ Superstar Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's acclaimed musical will run September 26 to 29 at Boston Conservatory Theater.
Read All
Subscribe The latest sounds, stories, and ideas, sent to your inbox weekly.
LINK: | https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/rodney-alejandro-named-dean-o... |
See more stories from berklee |
More from Berklee
12/10/2024
Why Recession Pop Is Hot-Even When Its Not a Recession
Why Recession Pop Is Hot-Even When Its Not a Recession Discover why fans turn to party anthems during times of economic crisis-or just when the vibes are off....
11/10/2024
Berklee Announces Gail Wilson as Vice President of Finance
Berklee Announces Gail Wilson as Vice President of Finance Wilson will oversee Berklee's budgeting, financial reporting, controller's office, and camp...
10/10/2024
Academic Leadership from Boston, Valencia Return for Abu Dhabi Educators Symposium
Academic Leadership from Boston, Valencia Return for Abu Dhabi Educators Symposi...
10/10/2024
All-Student K-Pop Bands Debut at K-Pop & Beyond Summit
All-Student K-Pop Bands Debut at K-Pop & Beyond Summit The diversity of the artists involved in the collaborative K-Pop Idol project, which developed the two ...
10/10/2024
Signature Series Presents Country Music: Black Roots and Branches
Signature Series Presents Country Music: Black Roots and Branches New Dangerfield, Dom Flemons, Donna McElroy, and Farayi Malek headline this October 29 conce...
08/10/2024
Charlie Puth's Comedy Show Is a Silly, Star-Studded Satire of Reality TV
Charlie Puth's Comedy Show Is a Silly, Star-Studded Satire of Reality TV All six episodes of The Charlie Puth Show are now streaming for free on The Roku ...
05/10/2024
Boston Conservatory Orchestra Presents Telling the Story at Symphony Hall
Boston Conservatory Orchestra Presents Telling the Story at Symphony Hall The program celebrates the art of storytelling through orchestral favorites and a co...
03/10/2024
Student Spotlight: Rafael Heredia
Student Spotlight: Rafael Heredia The flamenco percussionist is channeling the vibrant music scenes of Japan and Spain in his musical explorations at Berklee,...
03/10/2024
Berklee and Can We Talk Celebrate Healing Power of the Arts in BIPOC Communities
Berklee and Can We Talk Celebrate Healing Power of the Arts in BIPOC Communities Arts Activation 2024: Harmony and Healing (October 19) unites artists, thoug...
02/10/2024
Watch DREIONs Electrifying Shining Star Blind Audition on The Voice
Watch DREIONs Electrifying Shining Star Blind Audition on The Voice The Berklee alum wowed the coaches with his rendition of the Earth Wind & Fire classic. B...
02/10/2024
This Stevie Wonder Podcast Features the Obamas, Questlove, and Berklee Professor
This Stevie Wonder Podcast Features the Obamas, Questlove, and Berklee Professor Berklees Rick McLaughlin talks to host Wesley Morris on The Wonder of Stevie,...
02/10/2024
New Keith Jarrett Album Revisits Unheard Gems
New Keith Jarrett Album Revisits Unheard Gems The first single from The Old Country takes us back in time while still making a vital addition to the pianists ...
01/10/2024
Independent Music Platform Ampwall Launches Signups
Independent Music Platform Ampwall Launches Signups Built by and for DIY musicians, the Bandcamp alternative is now open to the public. By Tara Bellucci S...
30/09/2024
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Presents Fall Dance Concert: From the Ground Up
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Presents Fall Dance Concert: From the Ground Up Conservatory students will perform works by guest choreographers Hope Boykin, C...
28/09/2024
Berklee's Africana Studies Department Hosts Gambian Musician Dr. Sona Jobarteh as Visiting Scholar
Berklee's Africana Studies Department Hosts Gambian Musician Dr. Sona Jobart...
28/09/2024
Berklee Alumni Affairs Launches Second Season of Pass the Mic Podcast
Berklee Alumni Affairs Launches Second Season of Pass the Mic Podcast The new season will feature Mark Kelley of the Roots, Broadway veteran Natalie Toro, and...
28/09/2024
On Tour with Shaboozey's Drummer Darren Poindexter
On Tour with Shaboozey's Drummer Darren Poindexter The LA-based drummer reflects on how his Berklee training shaped his career and prepared him for tourin...
27/09/2024
Berklee Popular Music Institute Launches BPMI Live Docuseries
Berklee Popular Music Institute Launches BPMI Live Docuseries Bottle Tree Pictures filmed the course, highlighting how BPMI brings students through the proces...
27/09/2024
John Mayer Praises Alums Guitar Solo on SiriusXM
John Mayer Praises Alums Guitar Solo on SiriusXM The guitar greats cosign is a full-circle moment for Nashville-based session guitarist George Collins, whose ...
25/09/2024
Beyonc Is a Disruptor: Why the CMAs Snubbed Cowboy Carter
Beyonc Is a Disruptor: Why the CMAs Snubbed Cowboy Carter Emmett G. Price III spoke to NBC News about the lack of nominations for the pop icons country cross...
25/09/2024
Anyway, Heres Wonderwall (and 20 More of the Best Oasis Songs)
Anyway, Heres Wonderwall (and 20 More of the Best Oasis Songs) The Gallagher brothers reunite for a sold-out UK tour in the latest example of the lucrative bu...
24/09/2024
Berklee's Signature Series Welcomes Grammy-Nominated Artist Becca Stevens
Berklee's Signature Series Welcomes Grammy-Nominated Artist Becca Stevens The singer-songwriter will be accompanied by a select group of students in a per...
23/09/2024
Chicago's Danny Seraphine to Perform with Berklee Student Ensemble
Chicago's Danny Seraphine to Perform with Berklee Student Ensemble The Grammy Award-winning drummer will also lead a drum clinic during his visit to the B...
21/09/2024
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Nominated for 2024 Latin Grammy Awards
Berklee Alumni and Faculty Nominated for 2024 Latin Grammy Awards Miguel Zen n, Nicolle Horbath, Juan Luis Guerra, and Cristina Abaroa are among this year'...
21/09/2024
Berklee Abu Dhabi Fellows Bridge Worlds Through Music
Berklee Abu Dhabi Fellows Bridge Worlds Through Music The fellowship provides opportunities to musicians from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia re...
18/09/2024
Amplify Berklee Honors the Legacy and Celebrates the Future of Berklee City Music
Amplify Berklee Honors the Legacy and Celebrates the Future of Berklee City Musi...
17/09/2024
Five Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards
Five Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards The recipients were recognized for their work on the acclaimed programs The Bear, Sho gun, and Billy Joel: The 100th-Live ...
13/09/2024
Rodney Alejandro Named Dean of Professional Writing and Music Technology
Rodney Alejandro Named Dean of Professional Writing and Music Technology Alejandro, Berklees current Songwriting Department chair and an alumnus of the colleg...
13/09/2024
WCVB Spotlights Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education
WCVB Spotlights Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education The institutes ABLE summer camp program was featured in the 5 for Good segment. By Daniel Pe...
12/09/2024
Boston Conservatory at Berklee to Present Center Stage Production of Jesus Christ Superstar
Boston Conservatory at Berklee to Present Center Stage Production of Jesus Chris...
12/09/2024
Reframing Conservatory Education Through Africana Studies
Reframing Conservatory Education Through Africana Studies As Berklee's Africana Studies Division grows, so do learning and mentorship opportunities for Bo...
11/09/2024
Nicholas Payton Announced as Chair of the Brass Department
Nicholas Payton Announced as Chair of the Brass Department The Grammy Award-winning musician will take up his new leadership position this fall. By Colette ...
11/09/2024
Alum Gives Soaring Performance at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris
Alum Gives Soaring Performance at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris Vocalist and pianist Luan Pommier stunned thousands with her rendition of the Paralympic anthe...
06/09/2024
Student Spotlight: Mateo Londoo
Student Spotlight: Mateo Londo o The producer talks about leaving Berklee to grieve the passing of a close friend and fellow student and then returning to fin...
05/09/2024
Boston Conservatory Adds a Robust Roster of Artists to Its Faculty
Boston Conservatory Adds a Robust Roster of Artists to Its Faculty Nearly 30 new faculty across the Dance, Music, and Theater divisions bring industry experti...
05/09/2024
Why Music Educators Choose Berklee's Graduate Programs
Why Music Educators Choose Berklee's Graduate Programs Explore Berklees flexible master's degrees and certificate in music education, and get advice f...
29/08/2024
Berklees Africana Studies Division Launches New Degree Program in Black Music and Culture
Berklees Africana Studies Division Launches New Degree Program in Black Music an...
27/08/2024
Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Brazilian Composers Caetano Veloso and Antnio Carlos Jobim
Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Brazilian Composers Caetano Veloso and...
23/08/2024
Karen A. Bell Named Chair of Performance Studies
Karen A. Bell Named Chair of Performance Studies The associate dean will expand her responsibilities to manage performance studies courses and oversee departm...
22/08/2024
How Freedom by Beyonc Became a Campaign Anthem
How Freedom by Beyonc Became a Campaign Anthem Emmett G. Price III discusses the history of political campaign music and what makes Freedom such a versatile ...
21/08/2024
Berklee Announces 2024 Fall Signature Series Lineup
Berklee Announces 2024 Fall Signature Series Lineup This season's performances celebrate musical traditions from country music to the music of Brazil and ...
20/08/2024
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Gets Serious About Clowning
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Gets Serious About Clowning With the launch of its newest minor in fall 2024, Boston Conservatory brings circus arts to academi...
20/08/2024
Berklee and Spelman Colleges Student Exchange Program Returns for Fall 2024
Berklee and Spelman Colleges Student Exchange Program Returns for Fall 2024 The initiative celebrates Black music, culture, and the power of sisterhood. By ...
09/08/2024
Flora Sullivan Named 2024 Jimmy Lyons Scholarship Recipient
Flora Sullivan Named 2024 Jimmy Lyons Scholarship Recipient The Berkeley, California, native will perform at this year's Monterey Jazz Festival. By Cole...
09/08/2024
Leo Luna Roblejo Receives the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundations Sebastin Yatra Scholarship
Leo Luna Roblejo Receives the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundations Sebasti n Yatra ...
09/08/2024
Watch Anita Hill Perform with Boston Conservatory Orchestra at Symphony Hall
Watch Anita Hill Perform with Boston Conservatory Orchestra at Symphony Hall The attorney, scholar, and civil rights activist narrated the words of Martin Lut...
09/08/2024
Berklee City Music Awards Scholarships at Concert
Berklee City Music Awards Scholarships at Concert This year, 19 students received scholarships, housing awards, and aid to attend Berklee College of Music. B...
29/07/2024
Berklee's Music Business/Management Department Hosted Summer Program with Position Music
Berklee's Music Business/Management Department Hosted Summer Program with Po...
26/07/2024
Berklee Alumni Nominated for 2024 Emmy Awards
Berklee Alumni Nominated for 2024 Emmy Awards Twenty-one Berklee alumni received Emmy nominations this year for music composition, sound mixing, and sound editi...
23/07/2024
Alum Notes: Spring/Summer 2024
Alum Notes: Spring/Summer 2024 The most recent news from your fellow alumni. July 10, 2024 Emily McGuire B.F.A. '18 of Glendale, CA, found a new love f...