We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Manuela Serrano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Manuela, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always lived and breathed music. From the earliest days of singing in a choir in Venezuela to the teenage years spent mastering the viola in a conservatory, music was more than just a hobby; it was my lifeblood. But as I grew older and the limitations of the musical education system in my country became increasingly apparent, I realized that I needed to take a leap of faith.

The decision to apply to Berklee College of Music was a pivotal moment. It felt like standing at a crossroads, one path leading to a more traditional and financially secure career in medicine, the other to the uncertain but exhilarating world of professional music. Watching my friends choose practicality over passion was a stark reminder of what truly mattered to me. In that moment, I made a conscious choice to fight for a life filled with music, even if it meant facing countless challenges. It was as if a switch flipped inside of me, and I knew without a doubt that I would dedicate my life to pursuing my musical dreams.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those unfamiliar with my work, I’m a musician deeply passionate about bridging the gap between the vibrant Latin music scene and the global stage. My journey began in Venezuela, where I nurtured a lifelong love for music, culminating in my pursuit of higher education at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

During my time at Berklee, I actively sought opportunities to showcase my talents, performing regularly and honing my songwriting skills. I’m proud to have served as a Latinx Ambassador, actively promoting Latin and Venezuelan culture within the Boston community.

Beyond my musical endeavors, I’m driven by a desire to empower aspiring musicians. To that end, I created the YouTube channel ‘De 0 a Berklee,’ a unique resource that provides invaluable insights into the Berklee application process. This channel was born from my own experience and a deep-seated desire to offer the guidance I craved during my own application journey.

My vision extends beyond personal success. I’m committed to fostering a thriving and independent Latin music industry where artists have the autonomy and resources to thrive. I believe in empowering Venezuelan artists to reach international audiences and contribute to the global music landscape.

If you’re looking for a musician who is passionate, driven, and dedicated to pushing the boundaries of Latin music, I invite you to explore my work. I believe my unique blend of artistic talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to empowering others sets me apart

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience has been my constant companion on this journey. I vividly remember the moment I had to accept that to achieve my dream of studying at Berklee, I would have to make significant sacrifices. My family and I had to sell many things we cherished, but we knew it was an investment in my future.

Arriving in Boston was like entering a whole new world. The competition was fierce, and at times, I felt overwhelmed. However, I never lost sight of my goal. I worked tirelessly, seized every opportunity, and surrounded myself with supportive people. Today, I can confidently say that all the difficulties I faced have made me stronger and more determined. My experience at Berklee has taught me that with perseverance and passion, any dream is possible.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The Latin music industry has undeniable global impact, yet it still faces significant challenges. I believe we need to create a more equitable and sustainable ecosystem for Latin artists. This means advocating for fairer contracts that prioritize artists’ rights and royalties, ensuring fair compensation for their work on streaming platforms, and encouraging collective bargaining within the Latin music community.

Access to resources is crucial. We need to increase access to affordable studio spaces, mentorship programs, and funding opportunities specifically tailored to the needs of Latin artists. Building inclusive communities that celebrate the diversity within Latin music, from regional genres like salsa and bachata to contemporary urban sounds, is paramount.

Furthermore, we need to address systemic issues within the Latin music industry. This includes advocating for copyright reforms that protect the rights of Latin artists, promoting cultural exchange and collaboration between Latin and global music scenes, and supporting initiatives that empower and amplify the voices of Latin artists on a global stage.

Ultimately, I envision a Latin music industry where artists have the autonomy and resources to thrive, where their cultural heritage is celebrated and respected, and where their voices are amplified on a global scale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/manuelaserranoc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuelaserranoc/profilecard/?igsh=ZDBhMmNhc3d6bTJx
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelaserranoc?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@manuelaserranoc?si=YALrexWJSlAMOeIj

Image Credits

@cexarphoto
@thediahannproject