Berklee Valencia Announces the Brickman Scholars Program Fund in Partnership with American Songwriter Jim Brickman
Jim Brickman
Jeff Klaum
Berklee Valencia, in partnership with two-time Grammy-nominated American pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman, is pleased to announce the Brickman Scholars Program Fund for the 2026 and 2027 academic years.
Through this scholarship, which includes one-on-one mentoring and consultation opportunities with Brickman, the institution furthers its commitment to advancing its mission to provide educational opportunities to financially and academically deserving students who demonstrate the potential to make a significant contribution to society through music.
“We are honored to partner with Jim Brickman on the Brickman Scholars Program Fund, which reflects our shared commitment to fostering talent and expanding access to high-quality music education. This fund not only supports students financially but also offers invaluable mentorship experiences that can help them shape their artistic and professional journeys,” said Simone Pilon, executive director at Berklee Valencia. “Initiatives like these help us prepare the next generation of artists.”
During his 2024 visit to Berklee Valencia, Brickman had the opportunity to meet students, host one-on-one mentoring sessions, and teach masterclasses in piano and stage performance.
"I'm thrilled and honored to support talented young musicians through the new Brickman Scholars Program Fund at Berklee Valencia. This incredible program fosters artistic innovation and academic excellence for students worldwide," said Brickman.
About Jim Brickman
Jim Brickman’s distinctive piano style and captivating live performances have revolutionized the popularity of instrumental music, making him a driving force behind modern American music.
The hit-making songwriter is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 22 No. 1 albums and 32 top 20 radio singles. He’s garnered two Grammy nominations, Gospel Music’s Dove Award, two SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, and a Canadian Country Music Award, and is a member of Pandora’s “2 Billion Streams” Club.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Brickman jumped from a career as a jingle writer for advertising to reviving the romantic standard of the popular song. His first album release was 1994’s “No Words,” and he’s gone on to sell 10 million albums worldwide. He’s written three best-selling books, starred in five TV concert specials, and is in the 27th season of hosting the popular syndicated radio show: “The Jim Brickman Show.”
In addition, his star-studded vocal collaborations have crossed genres to feature such luminaries as Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis, Lady A., and Michael Bolton, among others.
Brickman’s philanthropic endeavors include support of the Entertainment Community Fund, a scholarship in his name at his alma mater, The Cleveland Institute of Music, an endowment to Playhouse Square, Cleveland’s downtown theater district, and now, the Berklee Valencia Brickman Scholars Program Fund.