Alumna Patricie Fuxova M.M '16 performed an original song at the IV Discover Series Concert of 2015-2016. Photo by Tato Baeza.
“Thanks to Berklee, I learned to have enough patience and dedication to execute my vision and acquire the necessary self-confidence to lead my project.”
Patricie Fuxova M.M.’16 is a Czech singer-songwriter, lead vocalist, and composer, and the founder of the Vesna project. She grew up listening to folk and pop music, and signed her first recording contract with a Czech label at the age of 16. At 18, she released her first pop album. After graduating from Berklee, she continues to write songs as a professional songwriter and also focuses on her multi-artistic project, Vesna, which so far has brought more than 70 artists together to celebrate the richness of Slavic mythology. Fuxova has also recorded four pieces of her own music arranged by Dominik Svoboda, a talented Czech orchestrator, and performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Music in Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration) at Berklee’s campus in Valencia?
It was a dream I had since I was in high school. I did not really think about pursuing music as a career, but I was in love with music, so I decided to give it a try.
What opportunities did you have, being in Valencia, that you may not have had otherwise?
[I got to meet] an international community and get inspired by music from different cultures. Berklee Valencia’s philosophy also broadened my mind, and as a consequence, I started to see music from different angles. I found my peace and happiness at Berklee, and I still benefit from this experience. It completely changed me in some ways.
Would you advise prospective students to come to Berklee’s Valencia campus for their master’s degree programs?
Totally! I think everyone in my courses had a great, yet different, experience. Berklee’s philosophy is liberal, and you can focus on what you truly want. The institution will support you on your path, and you can be as original and authentic as you like. The contemporary performance program will give you the tools, practical advice, and knowledge to become whatever you dream [of being].
Watch the official music video for Fuxova's project Vesna:
How has your Berklee experience influenced you as a professional?
I understood that my biggest strength is songwriting and expressing my own creativity through my own project. It also opened my eyes towards music business, which I consider to be very important for anyone who values his or her artistic freedom. School doesn’t give you talent, but you can use the time spent at school to polish your skills. School doesn’t give you a path, but it gives you freedom to find it. School doesn’t give you success, but it helps you understand your strengths, which later on helps you to reach success.
Tell us about your Vesna project.
I am currently working as a freelance songwriter and lyrics writer, and I also offer music production in collaboration with more experienced producers. Apart from that, I continue to work on my project, Vesna, which was my culminating experience project. Thanks to Berklee, I learned to have enough patience and dedication to execute my vision and acquire the necessary self-confidence to lead the project. So far, more than 70 artists from 10 countries have taken part in this project, and I am excited to see what is yet to come.
How did your time at Berklee Valencia shape your music?
I was influenced by the musical background of my classmates and teachers. This helped me incorporate patterns from other music styles into my music. I also received a Berklee diversity grant, which enabled me to record four pieces of my music arranged by a talented Czech orchestrator called Dominik Svoboda and performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
What impact has it had on your job now?
I still keep on developing my vision, which was shaped at Berklee. By the time I graduated, I had already recorded an EP with Vesna. After I came back to the Czech Republic, I organized a small Christmas tour, applied for grants, did photoshoots, built a website, shot our first music video, organized a big concert involving around 30 artists, and managed the promotion for the project.
What is your plan for your business?
Vesna is now launching a crowdfunding campaign, and we are planning to record our first complete CD.
