Achieving Success: Notable Female Graduates from Our School
In the world of music, a select few institutions have nurtured the talents of some of the most influential figures. These schools have provided a platform for artists to hone their skills and launch successful careers. Here, we take a look at some of the notable alumni from four renowned music schools: Berklee College of Music, Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Production (LAAMP), Music Academy of the West, and Columbia University.
Berklee College of Music
Berklee is renowned for its illustrious alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions to the music industry. One such alumna is Esperanza Spalding (BM '05), a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer who has won several Grammy Awards. Known for her versatile voice and innovative approach to jazz and other genres, Spalding continues to captivate audiences with her unique style.
Another esteemed alumnus is Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (BM '04), a jazz trumpeter and composer who has been innovative in his use of technology and genre-bending music styles. Berklee has also been home to Gary Burton, a vibraphonist who was a pioneer in jazz fusion and has won seven Grammy Awards. Pat Metheny, a guitarist and composer known for his work in jazz fusion and his collaborations with artists across multiple genres, is another notable alum.
Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Production (LAAMP)
While LAAMP is relatively new, it has already produced notable alumni. One such artist is NERIAH, who has achieved significant success, with 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Music Academy of the West
This academy focuses more on classical music, but its alumni have made significant contributions. Michael Severance, a bassoonist who has performed with numerous orchestras, including the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, is one such alum. William Shaub, a violinist who serves as Concertmaster of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and Genevieve Tabby, a cellist known for her work in the string quartet ATLYS, which performs both classical and modern music, are also notable alumni.
Columbia University
Although not specifically known for a music school, Columbia University has notable alumni in the music industry. Lauryn Hill (attended first year) is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and musician known for her work with the Fugees and as a solo artist.
Our School's Notable Alumni
Our school has a vibrant alumni network that includes individuals who have reached exceptional heights in the music industry. Among them are Gemma Cairney, Monki, Leona Lewis, and Izzy Bizu.
Gemma Cairney is a broadcaster, presenter, and DJ who presents The Leisure Society on BBC Radio 6 Music and Gemma Cairney on BBC Radio 1. She transitioned into broadcasting after completing a radio course at our school and has since become a strong advocate for mental health awareness.
Monki is known for her eclectic mixes and has gained a reputation for seamlessly blending house, techno, and bass-driven sounds in her sets. She learned fundamental radio techniques at our school.
Leona Lewis is a singer-songwriter who won the third series of The X Factor in 2006. She studied singing with us and had her debut single "A Moment Like This" top the UK charts. Her powerful voice and emotive ballads have earned her international acclaim, with hits like "Bleeding Love" becoming global anthems.
Izzy Bizu's unique voice and genre-crossing sound have earned her critical acclaim and she has continued to build a successful career, collaborating with notable artists and performing at major festivals. She completed a songwriting course at our school and released her debut EP Coolbeanz and album A Moment of Madness.
Two other notable alumni are Nicole Moudaber and Aluna Francis. As the founder of MOOD Records, Nicole Moudaber continues to shape the industry by championing new talent and pushing the boundaries of electronic music. Her deep, hypnotic techno sound has graced major festival stages and held residencies at renowned clubs across the world.
Aluna Francis, one-half of the electronic duo AlunaGeorge, is a singer, songwriter, and music producer. Her signature ethereal voice and innovative fusion of R&B, electronic, and pop influences established her as a leading figure in the modern music scene. The duo's breakout track "You Know You Like It" brought them international recognition.
IMOGEN, a presenter and DJ, is celebrated for her ability to create an infectious atmosphere and introduce listeners to fresh sounds and artists. As a music producer and sound engineer, IMOGEN's work spans various platforms, where she connects with audiences through her lively style and passion for music.
These examples highlight the diverse success stories from these institutions in the music industry. Whether it's in jazz, classical, or modern music, these schools have provided a fertile ground for the growth and development of some of the most influential figures in music today. If you want to learn the same methods and rules that these artists mastered during their time at our school, check out our Music Production and Vocal Performance Degree or Music Production and Songwriting Degree.
