Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerren Berz.
Hi Kerren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
First of all, if it weren’t for my public school music program and the dedicated teachers who mentored me, I probably wouldn’t have the career I have today! I picked violin in 5th grade and fell in love with it. That led to degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Florida State University, with additional studies at Boston University. I am classically trained, but am passionate about many musical genres, including pop, rock, hip hop, r&b, jazz, folk, etc.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No one will ever tell you that a career in music is an easy or lucrative one! I really couldn”t imagine a career other than music, so I was open to any combination of playing (orchestras, weddings, studios, on top of bars-really), teaching (classroom, private lessons, little kids, adults), and arranging (school classes, hip hop artists). And you’re never finished practicing and improving your skills, which I do daily. Some weeks are boredom and drudgery, but some weeks are awesome!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My musical life is multi-faceted and something I’ve curated to include the skills I am passionate about: performing, arranging, and teaching. Currently Concertmaster of the Columbus (GA) Symphony @cso_ga, I have performed, recorded, and toured with the Atlanta Symphony, the Harlem Festival Orchestra, and the Nashville Chamber Orchestra. I frequently play with regional orchestras, including LaGrange, Macon, and Rome.
As a member of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra @atlantapopsorchestra, I’ve played with T.I., Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Angelique Kidjo, and in other performances that reimagine a night at the orchestra. As a music arranger, I’ve worked for some of the above artists and other hitmakers, including Outkast, Pink, Sinead O’Connor, and on Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor.”
My ensemble Sonic Essence (sonicessence.net) frequently performs weddings, recitals, and corporate events and could be anything from 1 solo violin to multi-instrumental ensembles.
I have years of experience in both private and classroom instruction and currently have students at my home studio, the Lovett Conservatory of Music, and the Atlanta Music Project @atlmusicproject, I enjoy working with school groups throughout metro Atlanta. I meet each student where they are and provide them with the tools and encouragement to advance their playing technique and musicianship.
How do you think about happiness?
Making music with my colleagues makes me happy, because our collective effort creates transformative experiences for our audiences (and for us!)
Seeing my students work towards and accomplish their goals make me happy, because I am passing on the support and guidance my teachers gave me.
Hanging out with my family makes me happy because they are the nearest and dearest to my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kerrenberz.com
- Instagram: @kerrenberzviolin
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/kerrenberz
- Youtube: @kerrenberz
- Other: https://sonicessence.net
