A New Beginning

Last April, I received very exciting news: I was awarded a full scholarship to attend the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, one of the most prestigious and internationally recognized jazz programs.

This opportunity came after my time at the New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA), where I completed my graduate studies in Jazz Composition and had the privilege of studying with Kati Agócs, Ken Schaphorst, John Lockwood, Marshall Gilkes, Joe Morris, among others, as well as the wonderful people I met there.

I initially moved to Boston to continue my path in contemporary classical composition, even though I had already begun developing my jazz career in Sedajazz back home in Valencia after the pandemic, and previous to that I had the privilege of pursuing my Bachelor's in composition at Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (Barcelona), where I studied with Christopher Havel, Eduard Resina, Fèlix Pastor, Bernat Vivancos, among many other wonderful faculty and visiting artists.

However, life often takes unexpected turns, and once in Boston, I fell in love with the city’s jazz scene. That experience led me to fully commit to studying and pursuing jazz, and ultimately to my acceptance into Berklee College of Music for my master’s studies—something I would not have imagined possible just a few years ago.

Yesterday, I finished my first semester at BGJI, and I finally have some time to process everything that happened. In this program, lead by Panamanian jazz pianist, composer, educator, and activist, Danilo Pérez I have the opportunity to study with top-tier bassist Linda May Han Oh for my weekly private instruction. Additionally, each week, the twenty students had the opportunity to work closely with a visiting artist, who also offered an additional private instruction session, such as Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, John Patitucci, Tia Fuller, Ben Street, Adam Cruz, Camille Thurman and David Sánchez.

As if that were not enough, the ensemble I had the pleasure of working with this semester was selected to perform with the wonderful trumpeter Ingrid Jensen at the iconic Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City last November 3rd, 2025, definitely a day to remember.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue studying what I love most, surrounded by musicians who inspire me and remind me that a kinder world is possible.

I can’t wait to see what the next semester brings. I am confident that 2026 will be just as exciting, filled with music and a deep love for the arts.

Martina Sabariego