TEDxBerklee Boston

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• David Cardona

  Assistant Professor, Electronic Production and Design (EPD)

  David is an educator, interdisciplinary media artist, and music technologist working at the intersection of interactivity, sound, graphics, computation, and accessible design. At Berklee College of Music, he teaches interactive systems, game audio, circuit bending, physical computing, and music production. David has presented his work at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum, MIT, Northeastern University, ACM SIGGRAPH, and at the AES AI Symposium. He is also a member of the Creative Advisory Committee for the Sound Scene Festival, and is a paper reviewer for the International Computer Music Conference. His creative practice spans interactive installations, immersive audio, responsive environments, real-time audiovisual systems, 3D graphics, and computer vision. He also releases electronic music under the artist name “28 Lines.”

• David Stewart

  Producer, Songwriter and Founder of 8IGHT Music

  David Stewart is a powerhouse songwriter and producer who’s helped craft modern pop anthems like BTS’s “Dynamite,” the Jonas Brothers’ “What a Man Gotta Do,” and Jungkook’s “3D.” With a star-studded roster from Shakira to Jack Harlow, Cardi B, Ava Max, Kygo, Shania Twain and beyond, David’s signature touch has driven more than 20 million + records sold worldwide. With billions of streams and a flair for hits, he’s a defining force behind today’s sound.

• Fernando Gabriel

  Co-Founder and Global CEO of StrmMusic

  Fernando Gabriel is the Founder and CEO of Strm Music, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing music intelligence for artists and labels worldwide. With over 20 years of experience as a singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and investor, Fernando bridges the gap between technology and artistry, leading Strm with the “mind of an engineer and the heart of a musician.” His mission is to empower independent artists with cutting-edge tools and data, ensuring they thrive in an industry increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

• Juan Pablo Paredes

  Student

  Driven by a deep exploration of sound and story, Juan Pablo’s days unfold across recording studios, live production environments, and collaborative writing sessions alongside artists and industry professionals. As a young artist fully immersed in the pursuit of his craft, he is guided by the belief that the most meaningful art emerges not from perfection, but from honest expression and human connection. As a proactive member of the Berklee community, Juan Pablo’s work centers on creating spaces where artists can fully explore their creative sound and identity.

• Loren Benn-Nelson

  Assistant Professor, Ensemble and Voice Department

  Loren Benn-Nelson is a vocalist, educator, & cultural leader whose work sits at the intersection of artistry, education, business and economic sustainability in the creative industries. With over two decades of professional performance experience and more than 13 years in education, she has collaborated with internationally recognized artists including Kelly Clarkson, Leslie Odom Jr., James Blake, Debo Ray, Patrice Rushen, & Take 6, performing on stages such as The Blue Note New York, the Rose Parade, the Staples Center, and First Night Boston.

• Rhoda Bernard

  Managing Director, Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education; Assistant Chair, Music Education Department

  Meet Rhoda Bernard: Talent Whisperer. When she was young, Rhoda struggled to understand her authentic self and to uncover her talents. It was not until her graduate school years that she became a Talent Whisperer – first for herself, and then for countless others ever since, including hundreds of people with disabilities. In this talk, Rhoda will unpack what it means to be a Talent Whisperer. You’ll learn about the relationship between talent, authenticity, and self-actualization. You’ll hear stories about people who discovered their talents by knowing and dwelling in their authentic selves. And you’ll find that – with the help of a handful of strategies – you, too, can come to embody your authentic self, and reveal your unique talents.

• Silvana Alvarez Albores

  Student

  Bio: Silvana is a multidisciplinary music creator studying Independent Recording and Production, with a minor in Interactive Media and Game Scoring. Her work explores the intersection of music, technology, and storytelling, and is currently contributing to two video game projects and a short animated film as a composer. She has performed with an orchestra as both a soloist and choir member and brings a global perspective shaped by living in Mexico, the US, the UK, and Spain. Expected to graduate in 2027.

• Tarra Ruchee Ajwani

  Student

  Tarra is an emerging music industry strategist working at the intersection of culture, storytelling, media, and marketing through a global lens. Raised in Mumbai, India, and driven by a desire to support artists through business strategy, she was led across the world to Berklee College of Music’s inaugural Music Industry Leadership and Innovation program.