Carla Patullo BM ’01, MM ’13 Returns to Berklee Valencia: A Grammy Winner’s Journey in Film Scoring and Beyond

Grammy-winning artist and composer Carla Patullo BM ’01, MM ’13 joined Berklee Valencia’s ninth edition of the Global Career Summit, reflecting on finding one’s artistic voice, the power of telling stories through songs, and navigating the industry after Berklee. 

During the panel titled “Behind the Score: The Art and Business of Music in Film and TV,” Patullo delved into the process of composing for film and television, sharing insights on what she has learned from her long-standing career as a film score composer, solo artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and performer.

Patullo, who is known for her genre-fluid style, creates music for the screen and is also a recording artist. When she’s not composing her solo work, she is writing film scores. 

Her debut album So She Howls (2023), inspired by her grandmother’s folk songs and her own near-death experience, won the 2024 Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. “My biggest inspirations have come out of real-life experiences, whether it’s an illness or dealing with grief. I turn to music to help me as a person,” she said.

For Patullo, storytelling is at the heart of all of her work. When working on film scores, she tends to gravitate toward films that resonate with her. “I find that when I work on those types of projects, I really have something to contribute and give to the story,” she explained. Her film scores include Maxine (Disney+), Bitterroot (Tribeca), My Name is Maria de Jesus (HBO), and LA: A Queer History (PBS), highlighting her commitment to inclusion in storytelling. She has also garnered song placements in over 100 films and TV shows, including Teen Titans Go! (Cartoon Network), The Jennifer Hudson Show (Warner Bros.), Skins, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. 

A lifelong musician, Patullo began her career releasing albums and touring with the rock band White Widow before signing on as musical director with Sandra Bernhard, performing alongside Liza Minnelli, Rufus Wainwright, and more. After touring, she completed her Master of Music in Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games at Berklee Valencia for a sole reason—she wanted to keep learning. “I think that has been a theme that’s lasted throughout since I left Berklee, just having that openness to learn about new instruments, production techniques. It’s something that I hope I continue to do for the rest of my life,” she expressed during the panel.

Yet transitioning from being a Berklee student to becoming a Grammy-winning artist came with challenges, particularly after moving to the demanding landscape of Los Angeles. Navigating this environment pushed her to carve out her own creative space where she could experiment freely and develop her voice. She emphasized the importance of forging a unique path and maintaining artistic integrity while building a career in a fast-paced industry. “Some of the challenges you face when trying to make it as a film composer are really staying true to your inner voice and not stretching yourself too thin.”

Reflecting on her time at Berklee Valencia, she acknowledged the institution as the foundation of her journey. “I came in with one skill set and left with much more. By the time I got to Los Angeles, I was able to take the skills I learned in the film scoring department and work with orchestras and beyond.” For the composer, Berklee was also the place where valuable collaborative opportunities came together, allowing her to connect with musicians from around the world—many of whom she still works with today. 

While ambition drives success, she highlighted the need to prioritize mental and physical health, a philosophy that has helped her sustain creativity and longevity in her career. “Make sure you’re being healthy and taking care of your body,” she advised the gathering of aspiring composers, artists, and musicians. “I find that when I do things like this, I end up being a better composer.”