We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joanna Lok. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joanna below.
Hi Joanna, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is founding B-Music Summer Camp.
When I was growing up in China, music was often seen as just a hobby—a symbol of privilege rather than a real career path. Despite my deep love for music, I wasn’t given access to the kind of nurturing, comprehensive music education that could have helped me explore it seriously. I knew firsthand how isolating that could feel, and I wanted to change it for the next generation.
While studying at Berklee College of Music, I combined my passion for music, education, and entrepreneurship to create B-Music—a summer program in Shanghai where high school students could truly explore music as a real, viable path. I brought together a team of Berklee students, alumni, and music industry professionals to teach workshops in music theory, production, songwriting, performance, and business. Students chose a concentration, built projects, collaborated, and even put on a final show.
The goal was bigger than just learning technical skills: it was about giving young people a platform to express themselves, make connections, and find their voice. Many students told me afterward that B-Music changed the way they—and even their families—viewed music education. Some discovered new dreams; others found the courage to pursue passions they once thought were impossible.
Seeing that impact made me realize: when you create access and a sense of possibility, you don’t just teach music—you change lives. And that’s why this project will always mean so much to me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Joanna Lok — a music educator, admissions professional, singer, artist, and manager.
When I first came to Berklee College of Music, I envisioned building a career as an A&R manager while continuing to perform as a singer-songwriter. Along the way, I discovered something even more powerful: the joy of teaching and the transformative impact of music education.
At Berklee, I served as a Student Academic Mentor, helping hundreds of students navigate their academic journeys. I also taught private lessons in music theory and voice, combining my background as a performer with my passion for education. It was incredibly rewarding to see students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and find a deeper sense of identity through music.
That passion led me to create B-Music, a summer program in Shanghai where I brought together Berklee students and industry professionals to teach high schoolers about music theory, songwriting, production, performance, and business. We built a platform where young musicians could explore their creativity, collaborate, and discover whether a future in music was truly right for them. Although B-Music had to come to an end due to COVID-19, the impact it had on the students — and on me — was lasting.
After graduating from Berklee, I continued teaching, offered private consulting services for young musicians and aspiring college applicants, and worked as a Berklee Admissions Interviewer. To further strengthen my leadership and business management skills, I pursued a Master’s in Management at Boston University. Now, I’ve come full circle, joining Berklee as an Assistant Director of Admissions, while continuing my personal work as a singer, educator, artist, and manager.
What sets my work apart is the combination of artistic experience, educational mentorship, and business leadership. I understand the creative journey as deeply as the professional one. I’m most proud of the moments when a student realizes that a career in music isn’t just a dream — it’s real, achievable, and worth pursuing.
At the heart of everything I do — whether it’s teaching, mentoring, performing, managing, or admissions — is a simple mission: to empower young musicians to find their voice, their confidence, and their place in the world.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Growing up in China, I didn’t receive much support when it came to pursuing creativity. I was a strong student academically, but I wasn’t truly happy — I didn’t feel like I had the freedom to explore who I was as an artist. Everything changed when a Berklee student heard me sing and encouraged me to apply. His kind words and belief in me gave me the courage to dream bigger. Berklee was actually the only music school I applied to, and getting accepted changed my life.
That experience planted the seed for what I do today. Through mentoring students, teaching music, founding B-Music Summer Camp, and now working as an admissions counselor at Berklee, my goal has always been the same: to be the person who says “You can do this,” and to help young artists realize their potential.
I believe that with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities, the next generation of musicians can achieve things even beyond what they imagine.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Several books and resources have had a major impact on how I think about management, entrepreneurship, and personal growth:
Atomic Habits by James Clear: This book taught me the power of setting up systems for lasting change, both in business and daily life. It emphasizes the idea that small, consistent steps lead to meaningful transformation over time.
Think Again by Adam Grant: This book shaped how I approach decision-making by encouraging me to reassess and reevaluate my ideas, rather than clinging to old beliefs. In both business and life, flexibility and open-mindedness are crucial.
Marketing: Real People, Real Choices by Michael R. Solomon, Greg W. Marshall, and Elnora W. Stuart: This resource helped me build a solid foundation in marketing essentials, from understanding the 4 Ps to learning how to pivot strategies effectively.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson: This book challenged me to rethink what truly matters — helping me develop a mindset that focuses on what’s important while letting go of distractions and unnecessary pressures.
As for videos, one that really resonated with me is “How to Figure Out What to Do With Your Life (Ikigai / Career Sweet Spot)” on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTgnQ5qZLlI) It breaks down the concept of Ikigai — the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for — and helped me better understand how to align my passions with my career path.
These resources have each played a role in shaping not just my career, but how I approach growth, leadership, and building a meaningful life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @joanna.lok
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanna.lok.5
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-manyi-lok/
- Youtube: @joannalok9833
- Other: RedNote: JoannaLok
